1. Scope

The automated external defibrillator (AED) procedure is intended to enhance the safety of employees, students and visitors at the University, by providing equipment and training to save the lives of persons experiencing Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). The procedure has been developed to ensure the availability, maintenance and proper use of the AEDs located throughout the University. This procedure applies to individuals trained on the proper use of AEDs; workplaces with AED units currently in place; and workplaces that are considering, or in the process of purchasing units.

All worksites are potential candidates for AED because of the possibility of SCA and the need for defibrillation within three (3) of SCA.

2. Definitions

Automated external defibrillator (AED) - a portable electronic device that can be used to treat a victim of cardiac arrest. An AED evaluates a cardiac arrest victim’s heart rhythm, determines whether shock is needed and delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - an emergency procedure involving special physical techniques used to pump oxygen-rich blood to the brain and other vital organs in the body.

CEP – Memorial University’s Campus Enforcement and Patrol

Designated Authority (DA) – a member of the University’s senior administration (President, Vice President, Associate Vice President, Dean, University Librarian or Director), with authority to make decisions based on recommendations from the workplace OHS committees and the Office of the Chief Risk Officer (OCRO), and the means to provide resources necessary to carry out appropriate follow-up action.

EHS – Memorial University’s Environmental Health and Safety office

Member – a member of the University Community - Any person who teaches, studies, conducts research, or other worker at the University or any other person while they are acting on behalf of or at the request of or visiting the University.

OHS – Occupational Health and Safety

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) - a condition in which the heart stops beating abruptly without warning, starving the brain and other vital organs of blood.

University AED Administrator – the unit responsible for administrative oversight of the University-wide AED Program.

Workplace – a place where a worker or self-employed person is engaged in an occupation and includes a vehicle or mobile equipment used by a worker in an occupation.

Workplace AED Coordinator - individual within a workplace who is responsible for the day-to-day management of the workplace’s AED procedure.

3. Liabilities

The Emergency Medical Aid Act of Newfoundland and Labrador, protects medical professionals and laypersons alike that render aid to an individual who is ill, injured or unconscious, absent gross negligence. As long as a member renders the first aid emergency assistance voluntarily and at the immediate scene of the accident or emergency, a member will be protected from liability.

4. Responsibilities

EHS is the University’s AED administrator. Responsibilities include:
• develop and oversee the University AED procedure,
• communicate product recalls and/or updates to program coordinators,
• assist workplace AED coordinators in development and maintenance of written records and establishment of protocols necessary for an effective AED procedure,
• identify and communicate relevant provincial and federal laws and regulations,
• conduct annual reviews of workplace AED programs,
• provide AED training for each workplace,
• annually and upon request, provide program updates and status reports to the University Occupational Health and Safety committee, and
• maintain University-wide AED inventory.

The workplace AED coordinator is assigned by the designated authority (DA) for each workplace and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the AED program for that particular workplace. Responsibilities include:
• inform building occupants that the facility is equipped with AED(s) and specify the location(s),
• develop and maintain a copy of their written AED program,
• review and maintain a copy of manufacturer’s equipment and/or user manual for each type of AED in their inventory,
• ensure AED’s are registered with the manufacturer,
• conduct monthly inspection and maintenance activities for the AEDs in their workplace, in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines,
• maintain all records of the AED program for their workplace. These records must be available for review by the University AED administrator, and at a minimum should include:
o inventory of AED(s) located in the workplace
o listing of trained first aid responders for the workplace including training expiry dates,
o AED maintenance records,
o completed monthly AED inspection forms and
o AED use and/or post event documentation.

• working with the Workplace Health and Safety committee, to ensure an adequate number of first aid responders are trained as outlined in the NL Occupational Health and Safety First Aid Regulations. Responders must be available for immediate response during regular business hours.
• ensure that adequate AED-related supplies and recommended ancillary medical equipment are kept on-hand,
• ensure the University AED administrator is:
o consulted prior to the purchase of an AED and once an AED is installed to maintain a current inventory.
o notified of any use of the department’s AED unit and of any maintenance issues or unit failures.
• conduct an annual review of their AED program.

The Workplace Health and Safety committee’s responsibilities specific to the AED procedure include:
• working with the workplace AED coordinator to ensure an effective program.
• inspection of the AED during OHS workplace inspections.
• notifying the workplace AED coordinator of any maintenance issues or unit failures.

5. Guidance on Placement of AEDs

The location for placement of an AED is determined by the University AED administrator and consideration shall be given to the following:
• Response time - optimal response time is 3 minutes or less. Response time should be based on how long it will take for a responder walking at a rapid pace with an AED to reach a victim, taking into consideration areas with difficult access (i.e., secured areas within a building, elevators, etc.).
• Number of visitors and type of activity - areas with high visitor counts and areas such as athletic facilities may present a higher than normal risk for occupants to experience a sudden cardiac arrest event.
• Location should be easily accessible It is in a wall-mounted cabinet at eye level with clear signage for quick identification.

In addition, an AED information sheet shall be completed by the workplace AED coordinator and strategically placed around the workplace informing building occupants of AED locations.