State Agency AED Placement

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Background

While automated external defibrillators (AEDs) have long been used by emergency medical professionals, a new generation of machines makes it possible for trained lay rescuers to deliver fibrillation - and possibly save a life. Having trained lay rescuers equipped with AEDs saves precious minutes and improves survival rates for cardiac arrest victims.

The procedures for obtaining an AED and equipment for your agency are outlined below.

The 79th Texas Legislature set aside $125,000 for FY06 and FY07 fiscal years for the purchase and placement of AEDs in state-owned and leased buildings. The Texas Department of State Health Services has set up an application process for state agencies interested in obtaining AEDs.

Application Process

• Complete the State Agency (Building) AED Application (Word, 31KB) (PDF 18KB) . Application deadline is May 11, 2007.
  - agencies co-located within a building should cooperatively apply; and
  - agencies with multiple locations statewide should submit one application for all the agency locations.
  
• Commit to a short training program for an adequate number of your staff on the use of the AED.
  
• Identify a person to serve as the Medical Director. Usually the Medical Director for the local EMS agency will provide this service. If not, we may be able to provide one through our office.
  
• Assign a project coordinator to be a contact point.

Placement Process

Applications will be screened and graded to assure AED placements are targeted at locations of higher risk. If your

agency has not received an AED provided by us or if it is your desire to order more AEDs in your agency for broader access and coverage, you should consider using the statewide contract to purchase those additional needs.

First Responder Organizations

We encourage you to develop a First Responder Organization (FRO) for your building. First Responder Organizations are EMS-certified individuals who respond to medical emergencies before EMS arrives. FROs, such as those within an office complex, can respond faster than EMS and provide immediate care to patients in those crucial first minutes of a medical emergency. When EMS arrives, they will assume control of the patient and transport if necessary. Requirements for a FRO are included in the AED application packet. Alternately, if your building has no EMS-certified people on staff, you could simply train a corps of volunteers to take CPR training.

Questions

Please consider making this life-saving device available to your employees and visitors. If you have questions about this program, please contact:

Maxie Bishop, State EMS Director at ( 512) 834-6700, or e-mail: maxie.bishop@dshs.state.tx.us

or

Phil Lockwood, EMS Program Specialist at (512) 834-6700 ext. 2032, or e-mail: phil.Lockwood@dshs.state.tx.us

Additional information

• AED Application Form (Word, 31KB) (PDF 18KB)
• AHA Sample AED Protocols (64KB)
• AHA Guidelines (28KB)
• First Responder Organization Information (54KB)
• Commissioner’s Letter (Word, 93KB)
• General Information
• Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated April 11, 2007