Automated External Defibrillator ( AED ). This piece of medical equipment is now in the possession of the District Educator. Specific guidelines have been developed. Unlike the AED that may hang on the wall of a public location to be used by the well intending citizen our AEDs use is restricted and monitored. Restricted by the United States Food & Drug Administration, Illinois Revised Statues and the Illinois Department of Health.
Policy and procedure of use:
- The AED's over-site must be established with the domicile EMS System Resource
Hospital. That means that Steve has to establish a liaison with his local hospital so that a defendable paper trail is a matter of public record of it's maintenance and usage.
- Only individuals recognized by the organization through documented training and certification can use this device. Currently members of the District Staff who have taken the MFA ( CPR & First Aid ) course and were current have been certified for AED use.
- When our AED is present at one of our functions the local EMS ( Fire Department ) must be notified. Currently, it is the Staff position that the AED will be present at all major District Sponsored events. It's presence at any other gathering will be reviewed by the staff on a case by case bases.
- Should the AED be used, it's usage follows a very specific protocol of notification, paperwork and subsequent documentation.
The purchase of the Automated External Defibrillator was a substantial undertaking by the previous administration. The continuing efforts of this administration and those that follow to maintain, train and use this piece of medical equipment shows the high degree of integrity of GWRRA and it's membership.
As you can see the AED's purchase has not been taken lightly and it is now part of the Illinois District of GWRRA.
