 Florida Statue requires all high schools that are members of the Florida High School Athletic Association to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on the school grounds.  The School District of Broward County requires that all schools have an AED on school grounds. Broward County policy 5303 rule 1-A states each school must have at least two (2) staff members, in addition to the school nurse/healthcare personnel (if applicable), trained in First Aid/AED/CPR and emergency care training.  The identification of trained staff members on campus is a vital link in immediately accessing qualified personnel during a medical emergency.

 Designate personnel to complete the AED Readiness Inventory form bi-weekly (every two weeks).  Notify Safety Department of equipment/supplies needed or equipment concerns as directed at the bottom of the AED Readiness Inventory form.  Notify Safety Department if AED has changed location (FISH/room) number.  Notify Safety Department if the school purchases an AED on their own.  The names of the individuals trained and their location in the school needs to be documented on the Emergency Information posters.

 Complete the checklist every two weeks (bi-weekly).  Be sure to include the date and your initials.  When checking the battery for the first time write expiration date on the outside of battery to prevent removing battery with every check.  NEVER attempt to unscrew any screws on the battery pack. Batteries last approximately 5 years.  Do not open the AED pad package until the unit needs to be used.  Notify the Safety Department to request replacement of AED pads and battery prior to expiration date. on  Be sure to put a check mark in every box.

 What does a wrench or battery symbol on the AED handle mean? The school must notify the Safety Department IMMEDIATELY. The battery is low or there is something mechanically wrong with the unit.  Where do I hang the 911 posters? The 911 poster should be hung in the health room, main office, cafeteria and the P.E. area.  Do I need to turn the AED unit on to do my bi-weekly check? The AED unit does not need to be turned on. The Life Pak 500 unit displays an “OK” status on the handle indicating it is ready for use. The Heartstart unit displays a blinking green light indicating is is ready for use. Both units conduct daily automatic self-tests.

 How do I become CPR certified? Go to browardschools.com / Departments / Health Education Services / CPR/AED/First Aid. Follow instructions to register for classes. You may also utilize outside American Heart Association agencies.  Do I keep my AED unit in a locked cabinet? No, The AED unit should be easily accessible. The AED sticker must be clearly posted to identify the location of the unit.

 The American Heart Association states that AED’s have been shown to be safe for use on children age 1 and older.  Schools that have students under the age of 8 years of age with a heart condition are required to contact Health Education Services to request pediatric (pedi) AED pads for use with the existing AED units (Lifepak 500).  The Heartstart AED units have a pediatric key so pediatric pads are not required.  Each AED Unit has an a manual for instructions.