Automated External Defibrillator Program

San Francisco State University (SFSU) has developed and implemented a program to provide access to automated external defibrillator (AED) devices in the event of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in the workplace. SCA is commonly caused by ventricular fibrillation, where the heart’s electrical impulse becomes irregular, and the heart cannot pump oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. An AED is a medical device designed to analyze the heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm. AEDs are to be applied to victims who are unconscious, without a pulse, and show no signs of normal breathing. AEDs are combined with Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in instances of cardiac arrest.

Strategic placement of AED devices in the workplace enables trained users and lay responders to defibrillate SCA victims quickly, greatly increasing the chance of survival. Life-saving actions include calling 911, beginning CPR, and providing defibrillation using an AED if needed.

Each minute the defibrillation is delayed, the victim’s chance of survival decreases by 7-10%.

Training in CPR and using an AED is preferred but not essential. Anyone can use these life-saving devices by following the verbal directions provided by the unit. For those with hearing impairments, the AED also provides on-screen demonstrations and written directions throughout the use.

The Department of Environment, Health, and Safety (EH&S) manages the AED Program.

CA HSC §1799.102

Known as the Good Samaritan Law, it provides immunity from civil liability to a person who provides emergency care at the scene. “No person who, in good faith, and not for compensation, renders emergency medical or nonmedical care at the scene of an emergency shall be liable for any civil damages resulting from any act or omission.”

California (CA) Civil Code (CCC), §1714.21, and Health and Safety Code (HSC), §1797.196

These codes expanded the Good Samaritan Law to include using an AED to save another person’s life in a cardiac arrest.

This program aims to provide access to AED devices for immediate response to sudden cardiac arrest in the workplace per the CA HSC, §1797.796 and meets the guidelines set forth by the American Heart Association and American Red Cross. The program promotes training and ensures AED devices’ safe use and maintenance. Any university departments seeking to acquire an AED require EH&S approval. See Restricted Chemicals & Equipment Purchasing at:

https://ehs.sfsu.edu/restricted-chemicals-and-equipment-purchasing

AED – Automated External Defibrillator, or AED, is a lightweight, computerized medical device to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. The device works by analyzing the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, delivering an electrical shock or defibrillation to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.

AED Program Coordinator – EH&S is responsible for the overall coordination, implementation, and maintenance of the AED program for the University.

Authorized AED User – Refers to an individual who completed an approved automated external defibrillator program, has passed appropriate competency-based written and skills examinations, and maintains continued competency in CPR and AED by participating in periodic re-training.

CPR – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR, is an emergency life-saving procedure that aims to keep blood and oxygen flowing through the body when a person’s heart and breathing have stopped. This consists of artificial respirations and manual chest compressions.

EMS – Emergency Medical Services, or EMS, is a qualified system that provides emergency medical care.

Lay Responder or Rescuer (LRR) – Refers to an individual who has not been professionally trained to render a higher level of medical care.

SCA – Sudden Cardiac Arrest, or SCA, is the abrupt loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness. The condition usually results from a problem with the heart’s electrical system, which disrupts the heart’s pumping action and stops blood flow to the body.

AED Program Coordinator (EH&S)

• Annually review and update this written AED program on the EH&S website
• Approve requests and purchases of newly authorized or replacement AED units
• Maintain an up to date list of AED locations
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
• Inspect AED equipment at least quarterly to ensure readiness
• Maintain a log of inspections to document compliance
• Perform bi-monthly battery checks by visually verifying the green light indicator status on the device.
• Ensure that necessary information is posted next to any installed AEDs
• Offer periodic training to certify and re-certify an effective number of authorized users

Building Coordinator (BC)/Building Emergency Response Coordinator (BERC)

• Inform EH&S of any malfunction, abuse, or vandalism of an AED
• Notify EH&S of any cardiac arrest incidences and the use of an AED
• Know how to locate a copy of this program and the users manual on the EH&S website
• Notify tenants of the location(s) of AED(s) within the building

University Police Department

• Notify the EH&S director and Workers Compensation manager of any cardiac arrest incidents, the use of an AED, or ambulance pickups from campus so that EH&S can comply with informing Cal/OSHA of reportable cases within the required time frame

The Zoll AED+ device has been approved for use in the AED program. Supplies and accessories will be provided and maintained for all AEDs and must remain with the unit. Only equipment approved by EH&S may be used.

Each AED shall include the following items:

• One set of adult/pediatric defibrillation electrodes is connected to the device.
• One backup electrode will also be used in case of multiple patients or electrode failure.
• One Prep & Response Kit: two pairs of gloves, one disposable razor, one pair of trauma shears, two gauze pads, one antiseptic towelette, and a pocket mask barrier device (commonly called a CPR mask).

BC/BERCs from each building location have been designated authorized AED users and will receive initial and recertification training in First Aid/CPR/AED. All trained responders must have a current course completion with the AED Program Coordinator (EH&S) on record.

Additional employees who maintain certification training in First Aid/CPR/AED use may also serve as designated responders.

AEDs may also be used effectively by untrained users because of their ease of use. CCC §1714.2/1714.21 allows for the use of AEDs by individuals who have not been trained in First Aid/CPR/AED. At their discretion, Lay Rescuers and Responders (LRR) can provide voluntary assistance to victims of medical emergencies. The LRR are encouraged to contribute to emergency response only to the extent they are comfortable. The emergency medical response of these individuals may include CPR, AED use, or medical first aid.

The EH&S department is responsible for ensuring that all training records of authorized users are current and maintained.

For those interested in taking First Aid/CPR/AED training, contact EH&S for more details at (415) 338-2565 or sfehs@sfsu.edu.

Internal Emergency Response Plan

Per the American Heart Association guidelines, the following adult “Chain of Survival” will be utilized:

• Early access to EMS – Recognize an emergency exists, immediately call 911. Means of notifying EMS include but are not limited to blue light phones, which directly route to SFSU Police (UPD), and all campus building phones will reach UPD by dialing 911 or (415) 338-2222 on a mobile device.
• Early CPR – CPR should be started immediately after cardiac arrest. Chest compressions circulate oxygen-rich blood to the brain and heart. This action should be provided for the victim until defibrillation can be performed.
• Early Defibrillation – If needed, defibrillate the victim as soon as the AED arrives. This is most effective within 1 to 5 minutes.
• Early Advanced Care – Ensure trained healthcare providers respond to provide advanced care.
• All AED activations with or without an administered shock shall be reported to the AED Program Coordinator for review and to ensure the AED is restored to readiness as soon as possible.

Appendix A: AED Contact List

Environmental Health & Safety

Office: (415) 338-2565 Email: sfehs@sfsu.edu

AED Program Coordinator

Office: (415) 338-1419  Email: grouxsr@sfsu.edu

EH&S Director

Office: (415) 338-2565 Email: majewski@sfsu.edu

Emergency Operations Manager

Office: (415) 338-7300 Email: oes@sfsu.edu

SFSU Police (UPD)

Emergency: 9-1-1

Non-Emergency or mobile: (415) 338-2222

Appendix B: AED Locations

Map in preparation

Appendix C: Zoll AED Plus Users Manual