Introduction

Definition: “Sudden Death” is a condition that occurs when the electrical impulses of the human heart malfunction causing a disturbance in the heart’s electrical rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VF). This erratic and ineffective electrical heart rhythm causes complete cessation of the heart’s normal function of pumping blood resulting in sudden death. The most effective treatment for this condition is the administration of an electrical current to the heart by a defibrillator, delivered within a short time of the onset of (VF). An automated external defibrillator or AED can be used to deliver this needed shock.

Definition of the AED

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

Requirements of Personnel and Notification

The Manson School District, with the support of the district school nurse, when acquiring a defibrillator shall ensure that:

A. Expected defibrillator users receive reasonable instruction in defibrillator use and cardiopulmonary resuscitation;

B. The defibrillator is maintained and tested by the acquirer according to the manufacturer’s operational guidelines;

C. Upon acquiring a defibrillator, medical direction is enlisted by the acquirer from a licensed physician in the use of the defibrillator and cardiopulmonary resuscitation;

D. The person or entity who acquires a defibrillator shall notify the local emergency medical services organization about the existence and the location of the defibrillator; and

E. The defibrillator user shall call 911 or its local equivalent as soon as possible after the emergency use of the defibrillator and shall assure that appropriate follow-up data is made available as requested by emergency medical service or other health care providers.

Training Requirements

Expected users are to receive training in CPR and AED use “by a course approved by the Department of Health”.

Liability

“A person who uses a defibrillator at the scene of an emergency and all other persons and entities providing services under this section are immune from civil liability for any personal injury that results from any act or omission in the use of the defibrillator in an emergency setting.”

“The immunity from civil liability does not apply if the acts or omissions amount to gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.”

“The requirements of this section shall not apply to any individual using a defibrillator in an emergency setting if that individual is acting as a good samaritan under RCW 4.24.300.”

This policy does not create an obligation to use such AED nor is it intended to create any expectation that either an AED or a trained employee will be present; and/or able to use an AED even if a condition arises making the use of an AED beneficial. By training employees in the use of AED’s, if one is available at a school site, the potential to save lives faster through AED intervention will be increased.

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Legal References:

SHB 2998 Limited immunity for use of semiautomatic external defibrillators

RCW 70.54 Miscellaneous health and safety provisions

RCW 18.71 Physicians

RCW 18.57 Osteophathy: Osteophatic medicine and surgery

RCW 4.24.300Persons rendering emergency care and transportation- Immunity from liability - Exclusion

Adoption Date: