Key Steps to Implementing an AED Program

Step 1: Check local requirements.

• Liability: Laws vary by state, county, or city, but the Cardiac Survival Act of 2000 provides federal liability protection for those who use an AED to save a life. All 50 states and the District of Columbia now include using an AED as part of their Good Samaritan Laws. Check your state’s Good Samaritan Act for specific information, and if necessary, seek legal counsel and review of your program by a risk management or safety team.
• Medical oversight: Your state may require a physician to review and oversee your AED program.
  • The role of the physician varies depending on the size of the program. Responsibilities of the physician may include:
    • Signing off on or making recommendations on training plans, policies/procedures
    • Evaluating data recorded on an AED during a medical emergency
    • Assessing each use of an AED to recommend any improvements
  • A designated program coordinator should be responsible for day-to-day program implementation.
• State registration: An application to the state may be required to start an AED program followed by registration with a state or local emergency medical services (EMS) organization.
  • AED programs may be required to send follow-up data to EMS after each use.
  • The physician or program coordinator should complete the registration process.

• Quantity of AEDs needed: it shouldn’t take more than 1.5-2.5 minutes to reach an AED and 1.5-2.5 minutes to return to the unconscious individual. Map your facility and determine how many AEDs are required for the space.
• Additional considerations:
  • Durability – will the AEDs be used indoors, outdoors, or transported in a vehicle?
  • Size, portability, and storage should be considered.
  • Features that are required will help determine which AED is most appropriate:
    • Wi-Fi capability
    • Child compatibility (child pads and voltage appropriate for children)
    • Bilingual AEDs (English and Spanish)
    • Real-time feedback on CPR quality
    • Tracking software to maintain the AED

• Several AEDs on the market are suitable for faith community AED programs; choose one that is simple and easy to use.
• The American Red Cross (2024) partners with manufacturers to assist organizations in obtaining an AED.
• The AED should be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (see list of FDA approved AEDs). Problems with ADEs and their accessories should be reported to the FDA.
• AEDs range in price between $1200 to $3000 each. Remember to buy extra pads (two sets for each AED) and replace expired AED pads as needed. Always have backup batteries available.

• State or local EMS, if required
• Manufacturer of the AED, to receive updates and recall information

• Research the history of the manufacturer you are considering for purchase of an AED.
• Contact the manufacturer’s technical support number to assess response time and availability.
• Arrange for technical support when your AED device requires it.

• Some AED manufacturers provide help with program implementation and ongoing support, and can assist with placement, medical authorization, registration, training, and supplies; determine if available services would be helpful in deploying your AED program.

• Effective AED programs are designed to deliver a shock to the victim within three to five minutes of ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (cardiac arrest); use a three-minute response time as a guideline to help you determine the best locations.
• Be sure to insert batteries and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to activate and test each unit.
• Placement should meet Americans With Disabilities Act guidelines. AEDs shouldn’t be locked in a cabinet or office.
• Label each unit clearly as an AED and post signs that can be seen from at least 200 meters away indicating the direction and distance to an AED. Maintain and inspects signs once a year.
• Each AED storage box should include:
  • Two sets of unexpired adult pads
  • Child pads (if AED has a child shock feature)
  • Pocket masks and 1-way valves
  • Scissors for cutting and removing clothing
  • First aid kit as space allows

• AED users should be trained in Basic Life Support/cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of the AED.
• Multiple responders in the faith community should be trained in CPR and the use of the AED, and ongoing training can help increase the comfort and confidence level of responders.
• The American Heart Association and American Red Cross offer CPR AED training in a classroom setting and through an eLearning format.
• Perform monthly AED checks.
• Maintain all AED records (warranties, maintenance schedules, and recalls).

• After initial implementation of the AED program, provide information to all congregants about the AED program.
• Use internal newsletters, posters, magnets, signage, or other means to promote the AED program and identify where the devices are located.
• Continually raising awareness of the program reinforces to congregants that the faith community is committed to their safety.

• Conduct a weekly or monthly visual inspection of the AEDs to ensure the devices are in working order.
  • The program coordinator or another designated person can do the AED inspections.
  • This person develops a written checklist to assess the readiness of the AED and supplies.
  • This checklist supplements regularly scheduled, more detailed inspections, as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Communicate with your manufacturer regularly to get the latest information about software updates or upgrades.