Southeast Missouri State University

AED Protocol

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August 1, 2007

**All ZOLL AED PLUS units have been updated to meet the required AHA/ERC 2005 Guidelines**

Overview

Southeast Missouri State University Athletic Training AED protocol provides guidelines for the use and care of Automatic External Defibrillators (AED).  The AED is a small compact device used to treat victims experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.  The AED is applied to victims who are unconscious, without a pulse or in ventricular fibrillation, and not breathing.  The American Heart Association considers early defibrillation as the key to patient survivability.  When applied correctly, the AED will analyze the heart rhythm and advise the operator if a shockable cardiac rhythm is detected, the AED will charge to the appropriate energy level and advise the operator to deliver a shock.  Defibrillation is only one aspect of the medical care required to resuscitate a patient with a shockable ECG rhythm.  Ultimately, successful resuscitation depends not only on the use of an AED, but on proper training in emergency procedures leading to the “chain of survival.”

  • Early access (contact 911)
  • Early CPR
  • Early defibrillation (AED use)
  • Early advanced life support

Selection of AED

The AED chosen for use by Southeast Missouri State University Athletic Training Staff is the ZOLL AED PLUS.   The ZOLL AED PLUS is to be used by trained rescuers to provide emergency defibrillation.

The ZOLL AED PLUS features the following:

  • Performs self test to verify the integrity and readiness for emergency use during the following:
    • Whenever batteries are installed
    • Whenever the unit is turned on
    • Manually, whenever desired
    • Automatically every seven days when the unit is stored with batteries installed.
  • Use one-piece electrode assembly that facilitates proper electrode placement and that is easy to apply to the patient.
    • Analyze heart rhythm and inform the rescuer if the rhythm is shockable or non-shockable.
    • Deliver defibrillation treatment to victims of cardiac arrest who exhibit shockable ECG rhythms.
    • Provide voice prompt and graphics for easy use, including that of CPR.
    • Upload data from the defibrillator to a PC to store events or print reports.
    • Use commercially available batteries.

Use of AED

The ZOLL AED PLUS is to be used only on patients in cardiopulmonary arrest.  The patent must be unconscious, pulseless, and not breathing before the device can analyze the patient’s cardiac rhythm.  This device in not intended for use on children under eight years of age.

Indications for Use

Use the ZOLL AED PLUS when a suspected cardiac arrest victim has an apparent lack of circulation indicated by the following:

  • Unconscious; and
  • Absence of normal breathing; and
  • Absence of a pulse or signs of circulation

Contradictions for Use

Do NOT use the ZOLL AED PLUS when the patient:

  • Is conscious; or
  • Is breathing; or
  • Has a detectable pulse or others signs of circulation.

DO NOT use this unit in or near puddles of water.
DO NOT use this unit on patients less than 8 years of age.
DO NOT use cell phones or two-way radios near the use of an AED.
DO NOT use near flammable agents such as gasoline.
Ensure patient’s skin is dry before applying electrodes.

Operating Procedures

The ZOLL AED PLUS is an automated external defibrillator that uses voice prompts and visual graphics to guide the rescuer through a resuscitation sequence that may include defibrillation and/or cardiopulmonary resuscitation.  Following attachment of electrodes to a victim’s chest, the defibrillator monitors the electrocardiographic (ECG) rhythm of the victim’s heart, analyzes the rhythm, and determines whether the rhythm is shockable or not.  When needed, defibrillation energy is also delivered through these same electrodes.  When the unit detects a shockable rhythm, it charges and issues the warning DON’T TOUCH A PATIENT, PRESS TREATMENT BUTTON.  The rescuer presses the Treatment Button to deliver the shock.  If the patient remains in VF or shockable VT, additional shocks can be administered after subsequent analysis of the patient’s heart rhythm.  The rescuer may be prompted to perform CPR if the initial or subsequent defibrillation attempts are unsuccessful. 

The electrode pads used with the ZOLL AED PLUS are CPR-D padz, which allow the ZOLL AED PLUS to monitor the rate and depth of CPR chest compressions.   These electrode pads come in one piece with visual cues of where to place on patient’s chest.

The ZOLL AED PLUS cover also functions as a Passive Airway Support System.  It may be used only when there is no evidence of head or neck trauma.

Location of AED

Currently there are three ZOLL AED PLUS units available for use.  One ZOLL AED PLUS shall be kept in the Rosengarten Athletic Training Room.  One ZOLL AED PLUS shall be kept in the Houck Field House Athletic Training Room, and the other ZOLL AED PLUS unit will be available for use at other Southeast Missouri State University venues on a floating basis. 

A ZOLL AED PLUS unit should be present at every home contest.

AED Maintenance

All Maintenance of AEDs will be performed by a member of the Southeast Missouri State University Athletic Training Staff on a regularly scheduled basis.  
In order to maintain the condition of the ZOLL AED PLUS, the following procedures are recommended:

  • Inspect frequently for evidence of damage or excessive wear.
  • Verify that the green check is visible, indicating that the unit is ready to use.
  • Test your unit periodically, with a simulator if possible.
  • Verify electrodes are within their expiration date.
  • When replacing batteries, replace all ten batteries at once.
  • Verify that electrodes are pre-connected to the input connector.
  • Verify supplies are available for use (razor, mask, gloves, extra batteries).

Cleaning the Unit

After each use, clean the ZOLL AED PLUS with a soft damp cloth using soap and water.  Do not immerse any part of the unit in water.  Avoid using abrasives such as paper towels on the display unit or infrared port.

References 

ZOLL AED PLUS Interactive User Guide, Emergency University Online Training and CD-ROM. 

ZOLL AED PLUS Administrative Guide, ZOLL Medical Corporation, 2002.

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