The principal will identify the school personnel who may provide first aid treatment for students or staff injured in connection with school activities and to provide emergency health care when circumstances indicate that any delay would seriously worsen the physical condition or endanger the life of a student/staff. Designated personnel may include teachers, substitute teachers, teacher assistants, coaches, athletic first responders/trainers, and any school office personnel. Designated personnel will be trained in a first aid/lifesaving techniques program approved by the State Board of Education. First aid and emergency medical care should be administered by school staff only until the student/staff can receive attention by Emergency Medical Personnel.
Automatic external defibrillators (AED) will be placed in selected school sites. American Red Cross or American Heart Association certified responders will use AED’s in response to cardiac medical emergencies. The AED will not be utilized by anyone without training in AED use. The AED will be maintained and tested in accordance with operational guidelines of the manufacturer and monitored by the Wilkes County Schools Principal or Designee, and reports submitted to Director of Student Services. The AED will be kept on school property but may accompany Emergency Medical Service personnel to a hospital emergency room or to a specific designated event.
Wilkes County Schools’ school personnel shall not be held liable for their acts or omissions in rendering good faith emergency care to someone who appears to be in cardiac arrest.
Procedures related to this policy will be reviewed post-incident and as needed in furtherance of this policy, in conformity with applicable state and local statutes and regulations.
Legal Ref: G. S. 115C-307.375.1
Adopted: April 6, 2009
Revised: June 4, 2012
Regulations for Use of Automated External Defibrillators on School Campuses
Wilkes County Schools has Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) located in designated school system buildings and at designated school system events in order to provide emergency assistance to individuals who may experience cardiac arrest while on school property. The use of the AED is authorized for emergency response personnel trained and certified in CPR and the use of the AED.
A. PURPOSE
The purpose is to establish an action plan for responding to a victim who experiences a perceived medical emergency. The procedures define the guidelines for training, use, placement and maintenance of AEDs in the Wilkes County School System.
B. LIABILITY AND GOOD SAMARITAN LAWS
Federal: Cardiac Arrest Survival Act, November 2000 State: NC General Statute 90-21.14 and NC General Statute 90-21.15
North Carolina law allows for the use of an AED during an emergency for the purpose of attempting to save the life of a victim who is, or appears to be, in cardiac arrest. North Carolina General Statute Sections 90-21.14 and 90-21.15 provide immunity from civil liability for persons who use an AED to save or attempt to save a life, except in cases where a person acts with gross negligence, wanton conduct or intentional wrongdoing.
A federal statute, 42 USC Section 238q, provides for immunity to persons who use or attempt to use AEDs on a victim of a perceived medical emergency and provides immunity to persons or entities that acquired the AED, in certain situations where North Carolina law may not provide immunity.
C. AED PLACEMENT
The AED will be located at a designated accessible site. The placement of the unit will be decided by the Principal or his/her designee.
D. REMOVAL OF UNIT FOR SPORTING EVENTS
If there is a sporting event on campus which is outside the building where the AED is located, the unit may be taken to this event by a member of the AED Response Team. The AED will remain with the Response Team member. A sign out log will be kept visible and accessible where the AED is stored and must be completed at the time the unit is removed. Following the event, the AED is to be returned by the Response Team member who must verify the date and time returned with his/her signature.
E. MAINTENANCE
In order to assure that the equipment is in ready-to-use condition, the principal or designee will check the AED once a month per instructions in the unit’s manual. The electrode pads will also be inspected for their expiration date. The WCS AED inspection/maintenance log will be kept by the principal or designee, and a copy sent to the Director of Student Services at the end of each school year.
F. TRAINING
Each school site with an AED will have a designated AED Response Team whose members will be trained in CPR/AED use. This training will conform to the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross (ARC) AED Standards. A minimum of three staff members at each school site will have current certification in CPR/AED by an approved training. Records of all training and refresher training will be maintained at the school level by the principal or designee.
G. MEDICAL COLLABORATION
Wilkes County Schools will collaborate with Wilkes County Emergency Medical Services in the implementation of the Automated External Defibrillator program. This will be reviewed as needed for any necessary modifications.
The AED Procedure will be reviewed as needed by the WCS Director of Student Services, the Lead School Nurse, and the Wilkes County EMS Director.
Upon implementation of the WCS AED program, written notification will be provided to the local emergency medical service director indicating where any AED is located in a school.
H. EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE PLAN ACTIVATION
Once notified of a possible cardiac emergency, office staff will contact the facility’s AED Response Team and notify the school administration of the event. The office staff will also:
Call 911 and give the operator the following information:
1. Type of emergency
2. Address of facility
3. Location of emergency
4. Phone number they are calling from
5. Further information requested from “911” operator
Send a representative to the location to assist as needed
Designate an individual to direct EMS to the victim’s location
Send someone to cover the classroom of any AED Response Team member
Notify the parent/guardian as directed by the school administrator
I. INDICATIONS FOR AED USE
The AED is intended to be used by personnel who have been trained in its operation for the emergency treatment of a victim exhibiting symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest who is unresponsive and not breathing. Following defibrillation, AED electrodes are to remain on the victim for the continued monitoring of the heart rhythm.
J. PROCEDURE
1. Assess scene safety.
2. Determine if victim is unresponsive and not breathing.
3. Call “911” and get AED.
4. Bare and prepare the chest for AED use.
5. Open lid and turn the AED unit on.
6. Follow voice prompts to place the electrodes:
a) Place electrode on bare upper right side of chest
b) Place second electrode on bare lower left side of chest
8. AED will analyze the Cardiac Rhythm: Do not touch patient.
9. Follow AED prompts for further action. If a shock is indicated, be sure all rescuers are “clear” before the shock is administered.
10. Pediatric pads are preferable for children under 8 years of age or who weigh less than 55 pounds but adult pads may be used if pediatric are unavailable.
11. Upon arrival EMS shall take charge of the victim. Response Team members will provide EMS responders with:
a) The victim’s name, age and known medical problems
b) The time of the incident
c) The current condition of the victim
d) The number of shocks that have been administered
K. POST INCIDENT PROCEDURE
The school site Response Team will complete these steps as soon after the incident as possible:
1. Replace Electrodes.
2. Check expiration date on the electrode package.
3. Replace pocket mask and other supplies used.
4. Check the battery fuel gauge to assure sufficient battery life.
5. Close the lid of AED and ensure the Rescue Ready indicator is GREEN.
6. The Principal or designee will have a Critical Incident Debriefing Session within 24-72 hours (or three business days) for all initial responders.
7. Anyone using an AED will complete an AED Incident Report by the end of the next business day. The Principal or designee will forward the incident report to WCS Superintendent and Director of Student Services who will direct it to the Wilkes County EMS Director within 24-72 hours (or three business days).