The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance
in the efficient and effective administration of an AED program for
the Town of Portsmouth.
In recognition of the value of administering
defibrillation promptly and appropriately, the Town Council has authorized
the purchase of AEDs and hereby adopts this policy to provide program
guidance and assist trained volunteers in the event of an SCA situation.
Deputy Chief Robert Church and firefighter Kevin
Jenks are designated as Program Coordinators and are available to
answer any questions concerning the AED Policy. They may be contacted
as follows:
Robert Church
|
Fire Department
|
683-1200
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Mobile: 714-3567
|
Kevin Jenks
|
Fire Department
|
683-1200
|
Mobile: 640-6645
|
Fax: 683-1206
|
Specific Program Coordinator responsibilities
are as follows: selection of equipment and volunteers for AED training,
distribution of AED-trained lists, coordination of training for emergency
responders, maintenance of equipment and accessories, retention of
a specifications/technical information sheet for each approved AED
model, consultation/coordination with local emergency medical services
(EMS), revision of this policy as required, monitoring the effectiveness
of this program and communication with the Medical Advisor on issues
related to the medical emergency response program, including post-event
reviews.
The Medical Advisor for the AED program is David
Johnson, M.D., 161 Chase Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871, Telephone: 401-683-3300.
He/she will provide medical oversight of the AED program, including
the following: writing prescriptions for AEDs, reviewing and approving
guidelines for emergency procedures related to the use of AEDs and
CPR in accordance with state and local laws, assisting in coordinating
the program with the local EMS and assisting in a post-event review
with all responders involved.
EMS in the Town is responsible for on-scene
delivery of emergency medical care. The Program Coordinators will
notify rescue personnel of deployment and location of AEDs.
AEDs may be used by the following certified
personnel:
A. Any trained volunteer responder who has successfully
completed an approved AED/CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training
program and holds a current health care provider card or a Heartsaver/AED
course completion card.
B. Any professional rescuer who is currently certified
according to the guidelines of a nationally recognized program such
as the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross or the National
Safety Council.
In the event of an emergency medical situation,
the trained volunteer is to activate the external emergency response
by directing someone to call 911. Trained volunteers should recognize
the signs of SCA, start CPR immediately, locate and use the defibrillator
and care for the victim until the EMS team arrives. See Appendix B
for details of the protocol.
The Program Coordinators have selected the Zoll
AED Plus as the preferred AED. This model has been approved by the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and includes product features that
add speed, reliability, and confidence to the responder team. A list
of FDA-approved AEDs is available at www.americanheart.org/cpr.
Each AED will have one set of defibrillation
electrodes connected to the device and one spare set of electrodes
with the AED bag. Two sets of infant/child electrodes should also
be included in the AED bag. One resuscitation kit will be connected
to the handle of the AED. This kit contains two pairs of latex-free
gloves, one razor, one set of trauma shears, and one face mask barrier
device.
When deciding where to place an AED and how
many are needed, the Program Coordinators shall use a three-minute
response time as a guideline to help determine the number of AEDs
needed and the appropriate location(s).
A. The following are the initial location assignments:
(1)
Portsmouth Town Hall: south entrance, lobby
wall to the left of the Council Chambers.
(2)
Portsmouth Senior Center: The AED program is
to be implemented as soon as CPR/AED training is completed. Location
is to be determined.
(3)
Portsmouth High School: The AED program is to
be implemented as soon as CPR/AED training is completed. Location
is to be determined.
(4)
Melville Elementary School: The AED program
is to be implemented as soon as CPR/AED training is completed and
AEDs are purchased. Location is to be determined.
(5)
Sandy Point Beach: The AED will be located at
the facility during the beach operating season. The AED will be stationed
at the head lifeguard chair with appropriate signage during the facility's
operating hours. The AED and locator signage will be stored and secured
in the bathhouse during nonoperational hours.
B. The AED will be stored at the Portsmouth Fire Department
for possible redeployment during the off season. Notification of redeployment
will be made by the Program Coordinators.