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AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFRIBILLATOR (AED)
I. Purpose
To establish standards and practices for the use and maintenance of
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
II. General
An AED is a medical device designed to analyze the heart rhythm and
deliver an electronic shock to victims in an effort to restore the heart rhythm
to normal. Most cardiac arrests are due to abnormal heart rhythms called
arrhythmias. An arrhythmia can be described as the heart’s electrical impulses
suddenly become chaotic and ineffective. Blood flow to the brain stops
abruptly; the victim then collapses and quickly loses consciousness. Death
usually follows unless a normal heart rhythm is restored within minutes.
III. Guidance
A. Training
1. Licensed nurses will receive basic life support (BLS) level
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training:
a. At hire, if not currently certified, or
b. As required for re-certification.
2. Team members will be trained to provide defibrillationwith the
AED using manufacturer’s training materials:
a. At initial hiring
b. Annually thereafter
3. Training in both CPR and AED usage and competency to perform
the same will be maintained for each individual team member:
a. Upon hire and annually for AED operation
b. At expiration of current CPR certification
B. Maintenance
Team member, as assigned by the Director of Nursing will test and
document the operating status of the AED in accordance with existing
facility emergency equipment schedules or manufacturer’s guidelines.
Each time the crash cart is checked, the team member is to check for
the presence of the green light that signifies unit is on and validate
pads are not expired.

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C. Usage of AED
An AED may be used in the following circumstances:
1. Witnessed or un-witnessed collapse of:
a. Resident without an advance directive, DNR, or
Livings Will that does note decline resuscitative
measures
b. Visitor, vendor, or contract provider
c. Team member
AND
2. CPR efforts are in progress, or
3. The initial responder determines CPR is necessary
4. The initial responder will direct the 2nd
responder to call 911 and
retrieve or have others retrieve the AED
5. The AED equipment (pads/electrodes) will be applied and used
per manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Follow manufacture’s defibrillationinstructions
7. CPR and other resuscitative measures are to continue until
relievedby EMS personnel
D. Non-Usage of AEDs
An AED is not to be used for a resident under the following
circumstances:
1. The resident has one of the following:
- valid DNR
- valid Living Will that declines resuscitative measures
- other state approved advance directive that declines
resuscitative measures
OR
2. The resident, visitor, vendor, contract provider or team member
has:
- signs of irreversible death
- decapitation
- decomposition*
- rigor mortis* or dependent lividity*
*May be determined by an RN or LVN charge nurse, licensed
personnel only