Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
1
4.24 Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) Program
4.24.6 AED Procedures (Revised: 10/24/19 )
A. In order to be eligible to use an AED on an appropriate patient, the individual officer
will:
1. Meet the training requirements set forth in these policy and procedures
2. Pass competency -based written and skills recogniti on examinations
3. Comply with the requirements set forth in these policies and procedures. Failure
to comply with these requirements shall result in the suspension of the
individual’s authorization.
The authorization period for a trained responder will stay in effect as long as he/she
adheres to the program guidelines. Authorization shall be rescinded in the event of
termination of the individual's association with the UCSF Police Department.
B The first Authorized Individual on the scene will initiate the Chain of Survival by
initiating protocol for the unconscious victim as follows:
1. Upon a rrival, assess scene safety and use univers al precautions
2. Check patient for responsiveness
3. Check circulation
4. Check for airway blockage
5. Check breathing
6. Perform CPR until an AED is available .
C. Beginning AED T reatment
1. Turn on the AED and follow the prompts. If the patient is over age 8, the adult
cartridge should be used; if the patient is age 8 or under, the pediatric cartridge
should be used.
2. Dry shave chest with a disposable razor if indicated. Discard the razor in a safe
manner and w ipe chest if it is wet.
3. Apply defibrillation pads. Make sure the AED pads are placed in the proper
location s and that they make good skin contact with the chest. Do not place AED
pads over the nipple s, medication patches or implanted devices.
4. After clearing the patient area, d eliver a shock to the patient when advised by the
AED. Administer additional shocks as prompted by the AED until the AED
advises no shock or a series of three consecutive shocks has been delivered.
5. When advised by the AED, check the patient’s ai rway, breathing and signs of
circulation, and initiate CPR if signs are absent.
6. Continue to follow the AED prompts and perform CPR until EMS takes over.
D. When EMS Arrives:
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
2 1. The Authorized Individual working on the patient should document and
commun icate important information to the EMS provider such as:
a. Patient’s name
b. Time patient was found
c. Initial and current condition of the victim.
2. AED pads should not be removed. DO NOT SEND THE ZOLL AED machine.
Only the pads should be sent with the patient.
3. The Authorized Individual should assist as requested by EMS personnel.
E. Post-use Procedure
1. The Authorized Individual shall:
a. Complete documentation of the sudden cardiac arrest event no later than
the end of the shift
b. Submit all documentation to the Watch Commander for immediate review
c. Ensure all documentation is forwarded to the Program Coordinator.
2. The Program Coordinator will contact the Medical Director to download event
data from AED (being careful not to remove the battery ).
3. The Program Coordinator will en sure that documentation is sent to the Medical
Director within one week after the event.
4. The Progr am Coordinator or designee should conduct an emergency incident
debriefing as needed.
F. Equipment Maintenance
1. All AED units will be checked for readiness at least once a month and after every
use, as outlined in Appendix 4.24 -E “Automatic External De fibrillator Operator’s
Checklist (monthly).”
2. AED units will be maintained according to the “Maintenance Checklist for Zoll
AED Plus (quarterly)” (Appendix 4.24 -F).
3. Records of all inspections will be maintained by the Department as electronic
files.