Safety Policies and Procedures Manual

Public-Access Defibrillators

SPPM 2.46

For more information contact:
   WSU Fire Marshal
   509-335-8548

Form:  Public Access Defibrillator Use Agreement

Overview

To facilitate immediate treatment in an emergency, departments may purchase and install public-access defibrillators. Public-access defibrillators, or automated external defibrillators (AEDs), are portable devices designed to analyze a victim’s heart rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock to restore normal heart rhythm.

Each department that acquires a public access defibrillator must ensure that employees who are expected to use AEDs receive training in defibrillator use in a course approved by the state of Washington Department of Health. In an emergency, where no trained person is available, a person other than a trained defibrillator user (i.e., a “Good Samaritan”) may use the defibrillator. (RCW 70.54.310, RCW 4.24.300)

Contact University Recreation or the local area health department for assistance with obtaining AED training.

Contact the WSU Fire Marshal for assistance with obtaining defibrillator units.

Definition

A defibrillator is defined as a semiautomatic external defibrillator as prescribed by a physician licensed under RCW Chapter 18.71 or an osteopath licensed under RCW Chapter 18.57.

Responsibility

The department must coordinate with the WSU Fire Marshall to ensure that the following requirements are met regarding the installation and use of a public access defibrillator.

  • The department submits a completed Public Access Defibrillator Use Agreement to the WSU Fire Marshal.
  • The department and/or the WSU Fire Marshal notifies the local emergency medical services provider (e.g., fire department) regarding the existence and location of any defibrillator placed in a University location.
  • The department coordinates with the WSU Fire Marshal to obtain medical direction and authorization for using the defibrillator from a licensed physician.
  • Expected defibrillator users receive Department of Health (DOH)-approved training in defibrillator use and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). See also Protocols for Use.

    WSU Pullman departments contact University Recreation for information concerning DOH-approved AED/CPR training; telephone 509-335-8732; or refer to the Training and Certification area of the University Recreation website.

  • The department, in coordination with the WSU Fire Marshal, maintains and tests each defibrillator in accordance with the manufacturer’s operational guidelines.
  • The defibrillator user telephones 911 or the local emergency response number as soon as possible after emergency use of the defibrillator.

    The defibrillator user provides appropriate follow-up data to emergency medical service or other health care providers upon request.

  • The department submits a completed Incident Report to Human Resource Services when an event occurs involving a defibrillator. See SPPM 2.24.

Protocols for Use

The potential defibrillator user assesses whether or not the victim is responsive. If the victim is unresponsive, the defibrillator user follows the protocol provided in training, or if an untrained AED user, follows the directions on the unit.

Immunity from Civil Liability

A person who uses a defibrillator at the scene of an emergency and all other persons and organizations providing emergency services under this policy are immune from civil liability for any personal injury that results from any act or omission in the use of the defibrillator. (RCW 70.54.310(3), RCW 4.24.300(1))

Exception

The immunity from civil liability does not apply if the acts or omissions amount to gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct. (RCW 70.54.310(4), RCW 4.24.300(1))

Public Access Defibrillator Use Agreement

Each department installing a public access defibrillator must submit a completed >Public Access Defibrillator Use Agreement to the WSU Fire Marshal. The form must be authorized by an administrator responsible for the department indicated on the form. Complete and/or print a master or contact the WSU Fire Marshal to obtain copies of the form.

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Revisions:  Dec. 2009 (Rev. 82); Jan. 2004 – new policy (Rev. 51).