About Automated External Defibrillators

What is an AED?

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm. The ideal situation is to have an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) located close enough to every after-school practice and event so that it can be used within three minutes of a life-threatening emergency. Sudden Cardiac Arrest survival rates decrease by 10% with each minute of delay.

Using an AED

Make AED Locations Known

In addition to sharing AED locations during training sessions, you should also let your local Emergency Medical Systems (EMS) office know where AEDs are located. This will help emergency personnel know in advance when they respond to an emergency at your school.

Keep Your AEDs Maintained

To ensure your AEDs are working properly, we developed a checklist that can be used by the person assigned to AED maintenance at your school.

AED Inspection Readiness

What to Do After an AED is Used

In addition to checking for any damage following use of an AED in an emergency, you should also check the battery and download data from the AED.

After Use of AED

Can your school make the three-minute goal?

If your school needs additional AEDs to meet the three-minute goal throughout your campus, contact your district’s Health and Safety Coordinator or designee to investigate funding options. Grants may be available.

Create Your Emergency Action Plan

Emergencies go hand-in-hand with after-school participation, so it is not a matter of if one will happen; it’s a matter of when. By having an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place for life-threatening events, you are preparing your school community to respond immediately to get the help that is needed.

Get Started

Save lives with a simple protocol including:

Calling 911 to alert the Emergency Medical System (EMS)

Early Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Easy access to and quick use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Easy transition  to Emergency Medical System (EMS)