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4 <br />Attachment 2 <br />GUIDELINES FOR INSERTION INTO THE POLICY MANUAL <br />MEETING DATE: 8/17/2010 NUMBER: <br />EFFECTIVE DATE: REVISIONS: <br />POLICY: Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) Program Guidelines <br />General <br />According to the American Heart Association, a human brain starved of oxygen can experience <br />irreversible damage within 4-6 minutes. The goal is to have effective cardio-pulmonary <br />resuscitation and converted arrhythmia within this timeframe to give the victim a chance for <br />survival with hopes for a full recovery. <br />Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) are self-contained cardiac monitor/defibrillators initially <br />intended for use by the public to shock the heart back into rhythm in the event of cardiac arrest <br />or fibrillation. When a heart fibrillates an inadequate volume of oxygenated blood is circulated <br />throughout the body. AEDs are common additions to public buildings throughout the US; and <br />due to their popularity, the cost per unit has fallen sharply over the past decade. <br />The Board of Orange County Commissioners wishes to install AEDs in all County facilities that <br />warrant the devices determined by traffic flow, activity or criticality of work performed at certain <br />sites. The Board directed the Emergency Services Department to develop guidelines that <br />specify the purchase, location, installation, maintenance, use, training and monitoring of all <br />AEDs in County-owned or operated facilities. Generally, AEDs will be placed on each floor with <br />public access with the goal of access to an AED within 4-6 minutes. In addition, placement will <br />be based on established standards for access, visibility and signage will be placed that will <br />make it clear to staff and visitors where the AED is located to speed utilization during a medical <br />emergency. <br />Purpose <br />The purpose of these guidelines is to establish standards for the specification, purchase, <br />installation, training, use, maintenance and monitoring of the County's AEDs. <br />Goals <br />To establish awareness by all residents of the value of AEDs, their placement and use in time <br />of need. <br />Develop guidelines that govern the specification for purchasing initial and replacement AEDs to <br />be placed in County owned and/or operated facilities. <br />Design and establish standardized signage and installation guidelines for all current and future <br />AEDs placed in County owned and/or operated facilities and sites. <br />Establish and deliver training for all County employees tasked with maintaining the upkeep and <br />monitoring the use of AEDs. <br />