An Exceptional Automated External Defibrillators (AED) Program Enhancement

About the Program

Category: Risk and Emergency Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

According to the American Heart Association, emergency medical services treat approximately 383,000 people annually for Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in the United States. The prompt use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can make the difference between life and death. Broward County has an AED program that is administered by the Safety and Occupational Health (S&OH) section of the Risk Management Division. The program includes the management of 275 AED units distributed among 132 buildings, employee training, monthly inspections, routine maintenance, and the replacement of parts as needed. The efficiency of this program is paramount to ensure that a life can be saved in case of an emergency for the nearly 6,000 Broward County employees; and any of the 1.9 million residents and 14 million yearly visitors who may pass through Broward County facilities. The purpose of the enhancement to Broward County’s AED program was to centralize the purchasing of AED devices and to consolidate the management of the documentation of inspection and maintenance of AED units through a web-based shared site. This initiative resulted in a more efficient and cost effective program to ensure that these life-saving devices are functional and ready to be used in emergencies.