Automatic External Defibrillators Plus Outreach Initiative

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

In 2016, the York County Department of Fire and Life Safety identified the need for life safety demonstrations pertaining to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) in the workplace. Although AEDs have been in County facilities for over eight years, and quarterly training classes are made available to each employee, it was still found that many staff members lacked confidence in their ability to use an AED, and would, therefore, benefit from further instruction concerning AED use. In order to meet this need, we developed a county-wide initiative geared towards providing AED familiarization to County employees. The AED Plus Outreach initiative allows first responders from the Department of Fire and Life Safety the chance to visit locations where AEDs have been placed and evaluate whether the employees are comfortable and mentally prepared to perform defibrillation to SCA victims. We have ensured this program engages staff in each of the locations where the thirty-three AEDs have been placed, which includes public facilities, select vehicles, seventeen County buildings, and parks. This program works in conjunction with the quarterly CPR and AED training, as well as the initial AED training of the Site Supervisors by the Department of Fire and Life Safety in 2008. This program highlights the importance of revisiting personnel and AED Sites to establish a rapport and facilitate discussion.