Automated External Defibrillators

Code of Practice
Version Number 1.1

Effective from 25 April 2016

Author: Health and Safety Coordinator

Estates and Facilities

University of Salford Automated External Defibrillators V1.1

Document Control Information

Revision History incl. Authorisation:
Author Summary of changes Version Authorised & Date
Amanda Changed to new format. Update of locations. V1.1 Associate Director of Health, Safety
Tilley and Wellbeing: 31/07/17
Amanda Document developed to support the implementation V1.0 Associate Director of Health, Safety
Tilley of public accessible Automated External Defibrillators and Wellbeing: 25/04/16
across the University.
Policy Management and Responsibilities:
Owner: This Code of Practice is issued by the Director of Estates and Facilities, who
has the authority to issue and communicate the code on 31.07.17 and has
delegated day to day management and communication of the code to the Head
of Security and Community Support.

Others with responsibilities All subjects of the code will be responsible for engaging with and adhering to
(please specify): this code.

Author to complete formal assessment with the following advisory teams:

Equality Analysis (E&D, HR) 1. Completed 31/07/2017.
Equality Assessment form

Legal implications (LPG) 2. N/A

Information Governance (LPG) 3. N/A

Student facing procedures (QEO) 4. N/A

UKVI Compliance (Student Admin) 5. N/A

Consultation:
Staff Trades Unions via HR 1. Via H&S Committee
Students via USSU
Relevant external bodies (specify)
Review:
Review due: 2 years of date authorised.
Document location: University Policy & Procedure Pages

University of Salford Policy pages http://www.salford.ac.uk/policies

The owner and author are responsible for publicising this policy document.

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University of Salford Automated External Defibrillators V1.1
1.0 Purpose
The purpose of this code of practice is to support the University’s First Aid Policy to ensure that
all trained First Aid employees are aware of the requirements relating to the use of Automated
External Defibrillators (known as AEDs) at locations listed in Appendix 7.1.
Other members of the University may also be called upon to act in an emergency and so
additional awareness training is provided (although this will not be a mandatory requirement, it
is likely that many will want this knowledge and information to gain familiarisation and
confidence in the use of the AEDs).

2.0 Scope
This code of practice covers:
 the training/familiarisation of First Aiders and non-first aid trained members of the
University
 the emergency response procedure for using AEDs
 maintenance and testing of the AEDs
Other related issues such as security and building access are also covered.

2.1 Definitions
AED – Automated External Defibrillator; a machine that delivers a controlled electric shock to
the heart when someone’s heart is fibrillating.

Fibrillation – muscular twitching of the heart muscle involving individual muscle fibres acting
without coordination resulting in low or no heart output and collapse.

Defibrillation – stopping the heart muscle fibrillating by administering a controlled electric

shock in conjunction with repeated quality CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) cycles in order
to allow restoration of a normal rhythm.

3.0 Code of Practice Statements

AEDs are lightweight devices that are relatively easy to operate and are intended for use in
emergency situations when a casualty has a serious cardiac rhythm disturbance causing
unconsciousness, such as heart attack.

An AED acts to restart or correct the heart by applying an electric shock to the chest. It detects
the electrical activity of the heart and gives automated instructions to the operator on what to
do. The automatic diagnostic sequence ensures that they will only operate under appropriate
circumstances thus preventing their incorrect use. The quicker lifesaving first aid and a
defibrillator are used on a casualty, the better the outlook for survival.

The location of the AEDs has been based on providing an AED to a person within a 4 minute
timeframe.
Based on the average walking speed of an average human being 5 km per hour
(www.mcofs.org.uk); this would equate to a maximum travel distance of approx. 400m.

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University of Salford Automated External Defibrillators V1.1

3.1 University provision of AEDs

Any AED within the University held specifically to deal with a risk identified in a risk
assessment (for example a clinical environment, sports) does not form part of this code as they
are not available for public use.

3.2 AED Access and Locations

The AEDs will be kept in carry cases, stored in wall-mounted cabinets, positioned prominently
in the locations given in Appendix 7.1. The AED, in its carry case, is easily removed from the
cabinet by pulling the door open. An alarm is activated when the door is open, thus alerting
local staff that someone is accessing the cabinet. Building Managers have the capability to
deactivating the alarm with a key. (Spare keys will be held by Security). If a key for deactivation
of the AED storage box alarm is lost, the details should immediately be reported to Security.
For each location, the access hours for the building are provided in Appendix 7.1. Security will
seek to keep information on locations of AEDs and building access information up to date and
will share relevant information with North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
The protocols used in ambulance control rooms aim to maximise the contribution that those
present at the scene of an emergency can make before the ambulance arrives. The call takers
will encourage people at the scene to give CPR and to use an AED if available.

3.3 Cardiac Arrest Emergency Procedure

The following sequence applies to the use of AEDs in a casualty who is found to be
unconscious and not breathing normally;
 Check for and remove the person from any danger, if safe to do so (the Rescuer must
NOT put themselves in danger or at risk),

 Check for response, check for breathing, shout or call for help on 53333 or 0161 295
3333 providing accurate details of the exact location. Access and bring the nearest AED
to the scene, open the lid of the AED and follow the instructions provided (these will be
in voice and text formats).

 If more than one person makes themselves available to act in a rescue, then the above
protocols should still be followed except that one person remains with the casualty and
commences CPR. The second Rescuer should call Security on 53333 or 0161 295 3333
and collect the nearest AED before returning to the scene.

 When the electrodes are adhered to the casualty’s bare chest, the AED will assess the
casualty, checking the rhythm of their heart. Ensure that nobody touches the casualty
while the AED is analysing the rhythm.

 If a shock is indicated ensure that nobody touches the casualty.

 The Rescuer should then follow the instructions provided (in voice and text formats) by
the AED and continue to do so until professional medical assistance arrives at the scene
and assumes responsibility for the casualty.

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University of Salford Automated External Defibrillators V1.1
 If the casualty does not need to be defibrillated, the AED will not allow a shock to be
administered.

 The Rescuer should continue to administer CPR if the patient remains unconscious and
is not breathing until professional help arrives.

3.4 AED Access and Locations

If the AED is applied to a casualty at an incident, once they have left for hospital the following
should apply;
 Dispose of used pads and replace with the spare set in the carry case. Place the unit
back into the designated storage area.

 The Event Report Form and University Incident Form must be completed and Health,
Safety & Wellbeing (HS&W) notified at the earliest opportunity. There are copies of both
forms in the AED cabinets, completed forms should be posted to HS&W. HS&W will
contact North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust to arrange for the incident
information from the unit to be downloaded and sent on, with the Event Report Form, for
research purposes. The Resuscitation Council (UK) has established a national out-of-
hospital database with the British Heart Foundation and Association of Ambulance
Medical Directors in partnership with the University of Warwick. Security will then
provide a replacement ‘Rescue Ready Kit’ as soon as possible.

3.5 Post Incident Support Counselling

Professional support, including counselling, is available for any member of the University
(Employees, Students & Visitors) who may be affected by involvement in a cardiac arrest
emergency.

3.6 Maintenance of AEDs

The AEDs need to be checked on a regular basis. This duty will generally be assigned to the
local building manager or other suitable person nearest the equipment via a CAFM ticket. The
checks are to ensure the equipment is in the correct location, is secure, that the equipment
display is indicating it is ready for use and that the accessories in the case are all present and
correct. A record of the checks is maintained on a specific form. Should any of the above not
be in place, the person is to report the situation immediately to Security.
The AEDs have the facility to highlight when the batteries are running low or there are other
problems. There is therefore no routine replacement of batteries or pads required, however, as
a proactive measure the schedule of replacement batteries and pads can be found in Appendix
7.1.
If an AED is taken out of use for any reason, Security must be notified in order that they may
inform relevant persons and initiate a replacement.
4.0 Code of Practice Monitoring and Performance

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University of Salford Automated External Defibrillators V1.1
The systems implemented for maintaining the defibrillators will be monitored as part of the
building health and safety inspections.

5.0 Related Documentation

First Aid Policy
Event Report Form
University Incident Form
Maintenance Checksheets

6.0 Training and Support

The AEDs installed by the University are suitable for any person to use. At every stage, the
equipment talks to the user, instructing them in what to do. Whilst many First Aiders will also
receive additional Adult Basic Life Support training in the use of the AEDs this is not a pre-
requisite and other opportunities are available to promote the wider familiarisation of member
of the University in the use of AEDs.

6.1 Basic Life Support Training

First Aiders will receive training on the use of AEDs in addition to the First Aid at Work training.
This training is called Adult Basic Life Support and should be refreshed annually.
In addition to the First Aiders, where it is identified that non-first aid members of the University
would benefit from Adult Basic Life Support training e.g. helpdesk staff, this will be offered on a
voluntary basis.

6.2 Familiarisation Training

Familiarisation training will be made available to First Aiders and non-first aid members of the
University. Whilst training is not considered necessary due to the simplicity of the devices
these sessions are offered to promote familiarity and confidence in their use.
Familiarisation training sessions are organised by Security in conjunction with North West
Ambulance Service NHS Trust and internal communications.

6.3 On-line training film

https://life-saver.org.uk/

LIFESAVER is an interactive crisis simulator that can be used on a computer, smartphone or

tablet. Users are able to interact with a live action film and learn CPR skills by doing and the
realistic stressful situations make the learning memorable. By using correct CPR technique
participants can help to ‘save a life’. LIFESAVER also provides an opportunity to hear expert
advice on CPR and real life accounts of cardiac arrest.
As with any training film, in isolation it provides only the fundamentals and, therefore, it is
strongly recommended that members of the University attend a familiarisation training session
and take note of the information contained within this document relating to University
arrangements. The film can provide a useful refresher for those already familiar.

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University of Salford Automated External Defibrillators V1.1

6.4 Refresher Training

It is recommended that staff regularly refresh their skills and a suggested refresher frequency
is annual. This may be via any of the options above.
Please note: whilst training in the use of the equipment is optimal, it is not a requirement that
users must have received any training to operate an AED.

7.0 Appendices
7.1 AED Information-table

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Appendix 7.1 – AED Information – table

Building Location Make: Maintained Accessibility Replacement Replacement of

of AED by: of batteries pads

New Adelphi On the ZOLL AED Building Public access 5 years from Prior to expiry on
Building wall by Plus Manager 08:00 – 18:00 date of pads
Engle’s installation
Beard Card access: (DOI)
Reception 06:00 – 08:00
Area 18:00 – 22:00

Adelphi House Through Powerheart G5 SPD Building Card Access Only 4 years from Prior to expiry on
Foyer Controller 08:00 – 16:00 DOI pads

Allerton Building Main LifePak CR Building Public Access Same time as Prior to expiry on
Reception Plus Manager 08:00 – 21:00 pads pads

Clifford Foyer LifePak CR Building Public Access Same time as Prior to expiry on
Whitworth Plus Manager 24 hours pads pads

Crescent House Foyer LifePak CR Building Public Access Same time as Prior to expiry on
Plus Manager 08:00 – 17:00 pads pads

Mary Seacole Grd Floor LifePak CR Building Public Access Same time as Prior to expiry on
Foyer Plus Manager 08:00 – 17:00 pads pads

2nd Floor LifePak CR Building Public Access Same time as Prior to expiry on
Foyer Plus Manager 08:00 – 17:00 pads pads
Building Location Make: Maintained Accessibility Replacement Replacement of
of AED by: of batteries pads

Maxwell Building Main LifePak CR Building Public access Same time as Prior to expiry on
Reception Plus Manager 08:00 – 18:00 pads pads
Card access:
06:00 – 08:00
18:00 – 22:00
Maxwell Well Security ZOLL AED Security Accessible via 5 years from Prior to expiry on
Control Plus Security DOI pads
Room 24 hours
Newton Building Foyer LifePak CR Building Public access Same time as Prior to expiry on
Plus Manager 08:00 – 18:00 pads pads

Peel Building Next to LifePak CR Building Public Access Same time as Prior to expiry on
Porters Plus Manager 08:30 – 17:00 pads pads
Room

TOFS Foyer LifePak CR Building Public Access Same time as Prior to expiry on
Plus Manager 08:30 – 17:00 pads pads

Technology Foyer LifePak CR Building Public Access Same time as Prior to expiry on
House Plus Manager 07:30 – 21:30 pads pads

University House Foyer LifePak CR Building Public access Same time as Prior to expiry on
Plus Manager 08:00 – 00:00 pads pads
Card access:
06:00 – 08:00