department of athletics policies & procedures - UNC Wilmington ...

SECTION VII
MEDICAL AND CLINICAL POLICIES
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Policy
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been shown in a variety of cases to
greatly increase the chance of survival during a cardiac emergency. Every minute that
defibrillation is delayed decreases the victim’s chance for survival by 10 percent. Both
the American Red Cross and American Heart Association support the use of AEDs and
suggest they be present and available as much as possible.
“Cardiac Chain of Survival”
The American Red Cross (ARC) and American Heart Association (AHA) suggest a
“Cardiac Chain of Survival” that must be implemented in order to maximize a victim’s
chance of survival. These steps include:
1. Early recognition and early access to Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
2. Early CPR
3. Early defibrillation (AED)
4. Early advanced medical care
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) helps to supply oxygen to the brain and other vital
organs. It also increases the chance for a shockable heart rhythm once the AED arrives,
especially if it is more than 4 minutes since the victim collapsed.
Definition of an AED
An AED is a machine used to analyze a victim’s heart rhythm and deliver a shock, if
necessary. The shock that is delivered is called defibrillation. The two most common
shockable abnormal rhythms are ventricular fibrillation (V-fib) and ventricular
tachycardia (V-tach). Not all heart rhythms are shockable and defibrillation is not
designed to restart a heart that has no electrical activity.
Indications and Contraindications of using an AED
There are several indications and contraindications that a rescuer should be aware of
before using and AED:
AEDs should only be used when a victim is unconscious and presents with no
breathing and no pulse.
AEDs should NOT be used on children under 8 years of age or less than 55
pounds UNLESS you are using a pediatric AED or pediatric pads.
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