Automated External Defibrillators
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are an essential tool in the treatment of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Over the years, the devices have become safer, more reliable and more maintenance free. The new technologies used in these devices make them suitable for use by anyone who has had basic training in their use.
AEDs are most effective when implemented as part of an overall strategy which considers each link in the "Chain of Survival:"
- Early access to the emergency medical system (EMS and 9-1-1 system)
- Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Early defibrillation when indicated
- Early advanced emergency treatment
In 1998 legislation was passed to redefine the use of an automated external defibrillator as a basic life support skill and provided, through the Good Samaritan Law, some immunity from civil liability to properly trained personnel who use AEDs in a resuscitation attempt and who activate teh EMS system. The text of the statute is provided below.
Files of interest (click to download):
- Civil Liability for use of an AED (AS 09.65.087)
- Civil Liability for Emergency Aid (AS 09.65.090)
- Regulations for Approving AED Training Programs (7 AAC 26.585)
- Public Health Improvement Act (Includes Cardiac Arrest Survival Act)
- Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the AEDs in Alaska
Rural AED Grants
The Section of Injury Prevention and EMS (IPEMS) has received $95,095 from the Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration for the Rural Access to Emergency Devices program (RAED). The grant period is September 1, 2008 – August 31, 2009. IPEMS will be accepting applications for the distribution of AEDs until November 15, 2008. Applications are under Important Documents.Approved Training Programs
In Alaska's Good Samaritan Law (AS 09.65.090) "properly trained" to use an AED means "that the individual has completed an automated external defibrillator training course from the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, or another automated external defibrillator training course approved by the Department of Health and Social Services."
The following programs have been approved by the Department of Health and Social Services in accordance with 7 AAC 26.585:
- BLS for Health Care Providers-American Heart Association
- CPR for the Professional Rescuer-American Red Cross
- The CPR component of Medic First Aid-Advanced
- Basic Life Support for Professionals (BLSPRO)-EMP America
- CPR for the Professional Rescuer-American Safety & Health Institute
- Respond Systems AED/CPR
To request approval of an AED Training program the applicant must submit a written report that provides evidence of meeting the requirements set forth in 7 AAC 26.585. Requests are sent to:
Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Public Health
Section of Injury Prevention and Emergency Medical Services
P. O. Box 110616
Juneau, AK 99811-0616
AED Placement
The Section of Injury Prevention and EMS is interested in knowing the locations of AEDs so it can implement the goals of the Rural AED Grant Program effectively. Agencies receiving AEDs under the Rural AED Grant are required to inform us of the placement or relocation of AEDs purchased under the grant. We greatly appreciate being informed of the placement or relocation of AEDs purchased with other funds. This notification is voluntary and provides us with important information. The Section of Injury Prevention and EMS has developed a simple form that can be completed and faxed to the Section at 465-4101. As an alternative, agencies can simply complete the on-line AED Registration form that will send the information directly to IPEMS staff.
It is important for emergency medical dispatchers and emergency medical responders to know the locations of AEDs so they can direct rescuers to the device when emergency medical services personnel are en route. This information must also be sent to the nearest Emergency Medical Dispatch Center and nearest emergency medical services agency in order to retain immunity from liability for civil damages resulting from the use or attempted use of the device.
AED Usage Form
This form should be completed any time an AED funded under the Rural AED Program is used in a resuscitation or resuscitation attempt. Pressing the “send” button will e-mail the contents of the form to the three members of the Section of Injury Prevention and EMS working on the Rural AED Project. It will not be sent to anyone else.
A
staff member of the Section of Injury Prevention and EMS will
contact you and others to obtain more detailed information
on the use of the device and the patient’s outcome.
AED
Usage Form
Important Documents
- 2008 Rural AED Application (Rural AED Application is also available in Word)
- Sample Letter of Committment (A letter of committment is defined in the grant guideance as "A document submitted by a community partnership that delineates the role, responsibilities, and resources committed to the project by that member."
- Memorandum of Agreement (MOA evidencing acceptance of basic responsibilities for AED program)
- Model AED placement Notification (Form that can be used to notify EMS program of AED placement)
- List of 2007 and 2008 Recipients of AEDs
- List of 2005 and 2006 Recipients of AEDs
- List of 2004 Recipients of AEDs
- List of 2003 Recipients of AEDs
- List of 2002 Recipients of AEDs
Rural AED List Server
The Section of Injury Prevention and Emergency Medical Services has developed an internet list server to facilitate communications regarding this important issue