Before you undertake a defibrillation program, it is important to understand how responsive your community is now. The following questions will help you assess your community's readiness, and build the parameters for your program.
Does your area have enhanced 911 coverage?
Are 911 dispatchers trained to give CPR instructions over the phone?
About how many local adults and students have had CPR training?
What is the survival rate for SCA in your community?
Are first responders and trained lay responders authorized to use defibrillators in your state?
Does your community have AEDs and, if so, where are they located? (AEDs are usually registered with the local fire department or EMS provider.)
Are responders trained to deliver the first shock within 60 seconds of their arrival?
In 90% or more of the cases, is the time to first shock from collapse five minutes or less?
How many first responders have AEDs? Who else might be a good candidate to receive an AED?
Are there "high traffic" areas where people gather? Are there locations that could be considered "high risk" or difficult to access?
Are your community's first-responder vehicles (ambulances, police cars, fire department vehicles) equipped with AEDs? What is their average response time? Does it exceed five minutes for more than 10% of responses?
What is the level of training of the local EMS provider and other emergency response personnel? Can emergency personnel provide early advanced care?
Once you understand the current readiness of your community, you can develop the parameters of your defibrillation program. Based on the "optimal" response-time goal of three to five minutes or less, determine the number of AEDs that you need and where they should be placed.
If you would like assistance with this process, many AED manufacturers offer site assessment and consultative services.
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