Shockingly Simple: Choosing The Best AED For Your Church
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If you are a church leader that is interested in purchasing the best AED for your church, then this blog post is for you!
It answers the following questions:
What does AED stand for?
What is an AED used for?
Are churches required to have an AED?
Should your church have an AED?
Who is allowed to use an AED?
What AED policies and procedures should a church have?
Which AED should your church buy?
What does AED stand for?
AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator.
What is an AED used for?
An AED is a portable medical device that is used to analyze a heart’s rhythm. If necessary, it will deliver an electrical shock (defibrillation) to help restore a proper rhythm.
Are churches required to have an AED?
In New York, churches are not required to have an AED.
The laws governing AED use vary by state so review your state’s requirements. Some municipalities have enacted additional requirements for certain organizations or locations so also check with your county and local municipality.
Why should your church have an AED?
Your church should have an AED because people gather there, and a congregant or visitor may experience sudden cardiac arrest.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurs when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating. It often results in collapsing and unresponsiveness.
According to the CDC, “More than 356,000 people have an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the United States every year, and about 60% to 80% of them die before reaching the hospital.”
Having an AED nearby can significantly increase the chances of survival from SCA. Immediate CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED use can more than double the chances of survival.
When a pastor collapsed in Texas, a quick-thinking parishioner used an AED to revive the pastor, and he survived.
A congregant, in Michigan, went into cardiac arrest during a service and the church’s AED was promptly used. The emergency responders credited the device with saving the individual’s life.
In NYC, an elderly parishioner experienced SCA during a service. Thanks to the church staff’s training and the availability of an AED on premises, they were able to stabilize the individual before paramedics arrived, leading to a successful recovery.
In Pennsylvania, a church member collapsed during a Bible study. The quick retrieval of an AED by a fellow congregant and immediate defibrillation led to a successful revival before medical personnel arrived.
In Florida, a congregant went into cardiac arrest during a Sunday service. The immediate use of an AED, along with timely CPR, was credited for saving the church member’s life.
Your church should have an AED on premises to significantly increase a congregant or visitor’s chance of survival after a sudden cardiac arrest.
Who is allowed to use an AED?
In New York, section 3000-a of Article 30 of the Public Health Law lists who is allowed to use an AED. Including, individuals who have completed the required training or that fall under specific exemptions. Such as, healthcare practitioners and Good Samaritans.
Laws governing AED use vary by state so check your state’s requirements.
What AED policies and procedures should a church have?
A church should have AED policies and procedures about:
The type and frequency of AED training (e.g., approved by the NYS Dept. of Health and every two years).
Maintenance checks of the equipment. The AED should be maintained and tested according to the applicable standard of the manufacturer. For example, the pads (HeartSine Samaritan Pad-Pak) for the HeartSine Samaritan PAD 350P are expected to last 4 years. Make sure to regularly check the machine and replace the pads at the end of their shelf-life.
Supplies to keep with the AED (e.g., AED pads, pocket mask with one-way valve, examination gloves, trauma shears, razors).
A plan if there is a cardiac emergency (e.g., have the AED readily accessible during events with at least one trained staff member or volunteer present, immediately call 911).
Report to the local emergency medical services system, etc. if the AED is used.
In New York, section 3000-b of Article 30 of the Public Health Law has information for AED Public Access Providers. The Westchester County Dept. of Emergency Services has related forms, including sample policies, on their website. You may want to check with your counties’ Department of Emergency Services.
In New York, there should be a sign posted at the main entrance of the church indicating the location of the AED, and the AED unit should be clearly identified. You may want to store it in a wall mounted cabinet with an alarm.
Check with your state, county, and local municipality regarding your Church’s requirements and draft your policies and procedures accordingly.
Which AED Should YOUR CHURCH BUY?
The HeartSine Samaritan PAD 350P is great for churches because it is compact and easy to use. With just an on and off button and shock button, this model keeps the process simple during an emergency. An easy to understand visual and voice prompt guides the rescuer through the entire process, including CPR.
With pediatric pads, this AED can be used on children between 1 and 8 years old or up to 55 lbs. The Pediatric-Pak is sold separately (select “pediatric”).
Additionally, this AED can be used with a pacemaker in accordance with the instructions in the user manual.
An AED can be a valuable part of a church’s emergency response plan to keep its congregants and visitors safe. Considering how often sudden cardiac arrest occurs and how deadly it is, it makes sense to have the HeartSine Samaritan PAD 350P readily accessible at your church!
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About the Author: Lori Corini is an attorney admitted to practice law in the state of New York, an NRA Pistol Instructor and Range Safety Officer, a NYS licensed armed guard, and Director of Safety and Security and a Board Member at her Church.