AED Maintenance

[chasinRT]

Who is responsible for checking expiration dates/batteries in your schools? Is it done by facilities maintenance or are you as the school nurse responsible?

[kidzcare]

I do it 3 times a year. August, January (thanks for the reminder!), and May

[Farawyn]

I am. Thanks for the reminder.

Our Athletic Trainer checks as well. She's the one who showed me where the code was.

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

I check as the AED is in my office. I check at the beginning, middle (usually Jan after break), and end of the school year as if pads are expiring/battery has issue, I'm the one to add to my supply order. I had them add a budget line for replacement pads every 2 years to the budget - they are expensive things...

[kidzcare]

I check as the AED is in my office. I check at the beginning, middle (usually Jan after break), and end of the school year as if pads are expiring/battery has issue, I'm the one to add to my supply order. I had them add a budget line for replacement pads every 2 years to the budget - they are expensive things...

Is there a reason it is in your office?

In my school, it is located right outside the gym. I assume it's because (I think) sudden cardiac arrest is most likely to come on during physical activity or exertion? Also, my office is locked if I am not in the building. I think only the principals, myself, and maintenance have a key. In an emergency, locating someone with a key could lose valuable minutes/seconds.

I think I remember reading somewhere (wish I had a link) that most times AEDs in schools are used on spectators or staff instead of students. But if it saves one life- student or otherwise- it is MORE than worth it to have in the school!

[kidzcare]

Has anyone ever used their AED?

[Farawyn]

Has anyone ever used their AED?

SHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

NO!!!

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

Is there a reason it is in your office?

In my school, it is located right outside the gym. I assume it's because (I think) sudden cardiac arrest is most likely to come on during physical activity or exertion? Also, my office is locked if I am not in the building. I think only the principals, myself, and maintenance have a key. In an emergency, locating someone with a key could lose valuable minutes/seconds.

I think I remember reading somewhere (wish I had a link) that most times AEDs in schools are used on spectators or staff instead of students. But if it saves one life- student or otherwise- it is MORE than worth it to have in the school!

Anyone can access my office - it is coded, not locked - all staff know the code and know where the AED is as it stares you in the face when you walk into my office.

I've been trying to see if I can get it wall mounted near our entry door, but hasn't been a decent space to put it, nor the money in my budget for a proper mounting case. But I'm hopeful it will move this summer.

And shhh...I haven't used mine...shhh...

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

i do a visual inspection monthly and a physical inspection thrice a year. i have one in the cafeteria and one near the gym

[SassyTachyRN]

We have a monthly log we keep with the AED's and I check it every month. We check both batteries to make sure they are ok, expiration dates of pads, etc. Secretaries check in July when I'm not there. Neither of mine are in cases, they are both hanging on hooks on my door and my door stays open in both clinics (both clinics are in the main office and even I don't have a key to them).

[SnugglePuggle, MSN, RN]

I complete a checklist every month, including a power-up check. Ours is stored by the from entrance near the cafeteria and gym.

[100kids, BSN, RN]

We have 1 which is across from my office right near the front entrance and the gym. I check it for battery issues, pads expiring, etc. Usually I do it 3 times a year. Guess it's about that time again. Thanks for the reminder.