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AED Locations & Procedures

Hillsdale Local School District

AED Action Plan

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines cardiac arrest as when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating and blood stops flowing to the rest of the body. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)  and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are to be used when a person is unresponsive, is not breathing, or the heartbeat stops.  

A. How to Use an AED: 

Please note: For persons under age 8, pediatric AED pads should be used whenever possible. However, if not available, use adult pads. 

Do not use pediatric AED pads on adults. 

During an emergency, designate someone who can direct first responders to the exact location of the unresponsive person once first responders arrive at the location. 

Protocol: 

A diagram from the American Heart Association on Automated External Defibrillator protocols for adult use.

If a person: 

  • Collapses suddenly and loses consciousness (passes out) 
  • Is not breathing, or is gasping for air 
  • Doesn’t respond to shouting or tapping
  • Doesn’t have a pulse 

 Note: A person’s eyes may be open or closed. 

Follow these steps: 

1. If the scene is safe, check for responsiveness using shout-tap-shout for no more than 10 seconds. 

If appearing unresponsive, check responsiveness: 

  • Shout “Are you OK?” (use their name, if known, to get their attention). 
  • Tap (the person’s shoulder if an adult or child, foot if an infant) and look for signs of rhythmic, normal breathing. 
  • Shout (again and assess for breathing, life-threatening bleeding, or conditions). 

2. If the person is unresponsive,

  1. shout for help,
  2. CALL EMS (9-1-1), and
  3. send someone to get the AED.

Stay on the line with EMS (preferably on speaker phone) for CPR and AED use instructions.  

3. Begin chest compressions until the AED arrives. (If trained in CPR, provide CPR according to your training). 

4. Turn on the AED and set it up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Follow the verbal instructions provided by the AED. Incorporate the AED into CPR cycles according to instructions from the AED and from any prior training. 

5. Prepare AED to check heart rhythm. Follow the AED’s verbal instructions to deliver one shock as advised. 

6. Continue CPR and follow AED verbal instructions until the person responds or EMS arrives and takes over care. 

CPR Hand Placements

Or follow the instructions of the 9-1-1 dispatcher or refer to your most recent CPR training.

Other Considerations

B. Practice of Plan: 

 

1. Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 3701.851 requires the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to be practiced at least quarterly. 
2. Follow recommendations or requirements, as appropriate, specific to your school, location, or organization for training on CPR and AED use.  
3. Develop a schedule for practicing your plan. 

 

C. Maintenance of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs): 

 

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions concerning maintenance, operation, and replacement of the AED and any of its parts. 

 

D. Location of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs): 

 

1. Ensure AEDs are easily accessible and ensure they are not locked away. 

In the PK-12 building, AEDs are located:

  • on both floors
  • in the gymnasiums and
  • at the field house

2. Include maps of where AEDs are located in and around the school, venue, and sports and recreation location so staff, students, guests, volunteers, and community members can locate them quickly in an emergency. 

 

E. Additional Considerations: 

 

1. Designate a person(s) at your school, location, or organization who can coordinate and supervise CPR/AED  program activities, training, AED maintenance, and practice of response plans. 
2. Share your emergency action plan for AEDs with your local emergency management services (EMS) before a medical emergency.

 

References

  1. Adult & Child CPR Anytime® Skills Reminder — CPR AED (heart.org)
  2. Algorithms | American Heart Association CPR & First Aid
  3. American Heart Association 2023 Cardiac Emergency Response Plan and Protocol - Schools
  4. American Heart Association 2023 Cardiac Emergency Response Plan and Protocol - Sports Facilities
  5. American Heart Association 2023 Cardiac Emergency Response Plan and Protocol - Community
  6. 2020 American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and ECC
  7. Ohio Emergency Medical Services CPR Myths Debunked | Emergency Medical Services (ohio.gov)