Need Advice: Defibrillator Training

[intheweeds]

Do you guys train staff on the AEDs at your school? Our principal has asked me to train staff on them but I have told him I am reluctant to do so. While ours are SUPER simple, and I'm sure I could give a basic training, I am not certified to train on AEDs and I wonder about liability. I can call the company and see if they send trainers, but I don't think they do. I'd rather they shell out the $$ to certify more staff on CPR training that includes AEDs. Your thoughts? Do you guys show staff how to use them? Maybe I am overthinking this.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I don't know if the regulations are different in your state, but where I live you have to be a certified CPR Healthcare Provider instructor with AED training to teach a class. You may want to ask your state's BON or the American Heart Association what the requirements are.

You are right to question this. It's your license, not the principal's!

[ChristineAdrianaRN, BSN, RN]

I wouldn't. Even if you know how to use it, you haven't been certified to teach it. Like Viejas said, it's your license! C.Y.A.!

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

I teach mine - but i am a certified cpr instructor... and it's part of AHA heartsave training. i don't do any trainings outside that

[Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN]

I would tell the principal you are happy to do this...after they pay for your instructor certification Everyone wins!

[schooldistrictnurse]

Our local fire dept staff is trained in CPR/AED training and offers training to staff--that's one route to look at for staff training, also our HS phy ed staff teaches CPR/AED in the lifesaving class and so they're trained as trainers also and that might be another resource. Of course, if they will pay, having you trained would be nice, too. Good idea, though, not to proceed without the certificate.

[intheweeds]

Thanks so much for all of your input!!!

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

Our local Fire Dept has some instructors.....cannot do something like that with out appropiate instructiona and certification. Just point out the liability to the district, that should get their attention!

[AdobeRN]

In my district the nurses are required to be CPR instructors, we are responsible to certify our staff, but the only staff required to be CPR certified are the bus drivers, coaches and any "backup" personnel for me. IMHO - everyone who works in the school setting from the janitors on up to principal should be required to be CPR certified.

I don't "teach" how to use the AED unless it is during my CPR class but at our first staff meeting of the year I make sure everyone knows where it is located and how it basically works. Our district also has Oxysure (portable oxygen) in each of the schools - I make sure the staff know about that & how it works also. The way I look at it - these staff members are my help when there is a serious emergency - the more they know the better for all.