Why Does AED Accessibility Matter as Much as Having a Defibrillator?

While AEDs may be a worthwhile addition to an emergency plan, an AED on the premises does not guarantee that it will be useful in an emergency. Every second counts when a cardiac arrest is suspected, so it is important for healthcare facilities to not only ensure that an AED is present, but that it can be located, reached and used quickly by staff. Accessibility, then, should be a factor in the selection of the device, as well as in the accessibility of the AED in the hospital, nursing home, community health care, or other care environment. A well located and easily accessible, well maintained AED can be an integral component of an organisations emergency response plan.

This is what it means to be accessible to AED.

AED Accessibility is more than having an AED somewhere within a healthcare facility. Staff should be aware of its location and how to access it in case of emergency. An AED that is located behind a door or in a room where people don't typically go, or far from where people work, could be harder to retrieve quickly. Likewise, if the staff members are not aware of its location, it can be a valuable amount of time that can be lost.

Factors for accessibility include visibility, location, access arrangements, and awareness of staff. These should be taken into account when designing emergency equipment in a healthcare environment.

How is it that the location of the AED is important during an emergency?

The placement of an AED may have an impact on the ability to get the device to an individual in need. A device might be located within the building but may not be easily accessible due to the building layout and access.

Healthcare organisations may want to think about the location of the emergencies, and how the staff would get to the AED from where the emergencies are likely to occur. Particular consideration may be required in high traffic areas, communal spaces, or areas of the residence or inpatients where patients or residents spend a substantial amount of time.

What if a potential rescuer doesn't have an AED?

Suppose the healthcare worker is responding to a suspected cardiac arrest. If the AED is not in a clear place, the responder might have to ask several people where the AED is or search the different rooms to find it.

This can result in unnecessary delay in responding to the emergency.

Use clear signage and staff awareness to address this problem. Healthcare staff should be aware of the location of the AED and how to get to it. It can help ensure people are not depending solely on memory in an emergency if it is included in emergency procedures and staff training.

Does Accessibility Depend on the Healthcare Setting?

Yes. Healthcare settings may vary significantly in terms of layout, staffing and patient needs. A hospital can be organized into different departments and floors; a nursing home can be composed of several floors or residential areas and shared areas. Of course there are other things to consider when working across different locations, such as the availability of AED's for community health teams.

Why Do Healthcare Staffs Need to know Where the AED is?

The use of an AED is part of an overall emergency response plan, but the availability of an AED in the school will be of little practical benefit if staff are unaware of its location.

AED can be incorporated into induction and emergency training sessions at healthcare organisations. Any procedures for accessing the device should also be known by staff.

Especially helpful in situations where a new employee is added to a team, departments relocate or equipment moves. Do not just place a device in one place without staff being aware of its change of location.

What about ADA Accessibility?

Accessibility is not the only aspect of AED preparedness. The device must also be set-up as needed. There should be suitable procedures in place for verifying the equipment and component.

These may involve checking battery level, electrode pads and accessories as directed by the manufacturer depending on the AED. If an AED has been used, the organisation should also ensure that the AED is returned to a "ready" status and that all necessary consumables or accessories are replaced.

A defibrillator which is physically available, but not ready for use can pose another problem during an emergency.

So, why is it important to have AED Cabinets and Storage Arrangements?

Accessibility can be a factor of how an AED is stored. Identify the device and to protect it when it is not in use, the device can be stored in a cabinet or a designated storage area.

But the storage method shouldn't make the device inaccessible. Healthcare organisations should take into account how quickly staff can get to the equipment and if access is clear.

What steps can healthcare facilities take to ensure greater accessibility of AEDs?

One initial step towards the discussion is to take a look at current emergency plans. Staff may wish to think about where AEDs are stored, how easily they can be identified and the time it would take to retrieve an AED from key areas.

It can also be beneficial to make sure that staff are aware of the location of the equipment and understand the equipment's organisaton's emergency protocols.

When a facility makes changes to its layout, services or moves equipment, regular reviews are especially important. A location that previously could be accessed may no longer be the most convenient location due to alter changes in the working environment or building.

Selecting AED Equipment for Healthcare Facilities

Healthcare organisations should think beyond the cost of the defibrillator when buying one, as they should also consider the needs of an effective emergency response.

This may include AED cabinets, electrode pads, battery and other pertinent accessories. Ensuring suitable supporting equipment is in place can assist organisations to ensure they can keep their AED and keep it ready for use.

Medguard Healthcare offers defibrillators and other emergency equipment for healthcare and care settings. When deciding what equipment and accessories to use, organisations should take their own emergency needs, their layouts and staff arrangements into consideration.

Accessibility for AEDs should be a component of Emergency Preparedness.

The first step is to have an AED on site, but emergency preparedness goes beyond just buying an AED. The placement and accessibility of this, as well as knowledge of its location by staff and the appropriate maintenance of the equipment, should also be taken into account by healthcare organisations.

To hospitals, nursing homes, community health care teams, and care settings, reviewing the accessibility of AEDs can be used as a way to recognize practical issues early on in the process before an emergency.