CFAES Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) program

The OSU College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences has placed Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in multiple locations as a means of delivering potentially lifesaving defibrillation to victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). These devices are intended to provide a bridge during the critical minutes between onset of SCA and arrival of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel. This program is designed to assist in compliance with applicable regulations and establishes orderly process for managing the oversight of AEDs and training CFAES personnel.

Definitions:

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is an FDA approved medical device that is capable of recognizing the presence or absence of ventricular fibrillation or rapid ventricular tachycardia and is capable of determining, without intervention by an operator, whether defibrillation should be performed; and upon determining that defibrillation should be performed, automatically charges and requests delivery of an electrical impulse to an individual’s heart.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a procedure to support and maintain breathing and circulation for a person who has stopped breathing (respiratory arrest) and/or whose heart has stopped (cardiac arrest).

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is typically an ambulance service that provides acute medical care and transports patients to a medical facility for more advanced treatment.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, stopping blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs. SCA usually causes death if not treated within minutes.

AEDs are placed in a conspicuous and unobstructed location of CFAES buildings conducive to rapid access by responders. Each AED is located in a designated AED marked cabinet.  Each AED has a minimum of one set of defibrillation electrodes connected to the device and one emergency kit connected to the handle of the AED. This kit contains two pair of gloves, one razor, one set of trauma shears, some absorbent towels and one facemask barrier device.

Anyone can, at their discretion, provide voluntary assistance to victims during this type of medical emergency. The extent to which individuals respond shall be appropriate to
their training and experience. In addition, a designated person shall call 9-1-1 to report the emergency to appropriate authorities. The caller should provide authorities with the following information:
• Type of emergency,
• Address of facility,
• Location of emergency,
• Phone number they are calling from, and
• Further information as requested

For the most efficient emergency response, someone should meet and direct emergency responders to the incident location.

Training