AEDs

Automated External Defibrillators are a critical component to any emergency action plan. They save lives! Period!

They can represent a significant cost ($1,500-$2,500) to programs but we recommend making attainment of AEDs a priority.

Please contact your AED sales rep or manufacturer and make sure you settings are appropriate for use on boats.  Some have a "motion" setting which will cause them to disable if too much motion is detected.

EAPs

Establishing and practicing an emergency action plan and appropriately deploying an automated external defibrillator are critical to saving lives. Below are some suggested readings that help to lay out the evidence supporting this statement.  This is not a comprehensive list of articles but should serve as a good based for interested individuals.

EVIDENCE TOPICS

Emergency Action Plans (EAP)

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)

Automated External Defibrillators (AED)


Resources:

  1. High School Automated External Defibrillator Programs as Markers of Emergency Preparedness for Sudden Cardiac Arrest (Journal of Athletic Training, 2013) http://natajournals.org/doi/full/10.4085/1062-6050-48.1.20?=

    • “However, being prepared to respond to SCA extends beyond having access to early defibrillation. An adequate emergency response begins with establishing a comprehensive emergency action plan (EAP), consulting local emergency medical services (EMS), establishing a communication system to activate emergency services, training school staff and anticipated responders in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and reviewing and rehearsing the emergency response regularly.”

    • “United States high schools with AED programs were more likely to establish a comprehensive emergency response plan for SCA than high schools without AED programs. These schools were more likely to ensure access to early defibrillation, establish an EAP, consult local EMS, review and rehearse the EAP regularly, and develop a communication system to activate EMS.”

  2. Sudden Death in Young People: Heart Problems Often Blamed (Mayo Clinic) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sudden-cardiac-arrest/in-depth/sudden-death/art-20047571

    • “Are there symptoms or red flags parents, coaches and others should be on the lookout for that signal a young person is at high risk of sudden cardiac death? Many times these deaths occur with no warning, indications to watch for include:

      • Unexplained fainting (syncope). If this occurs during physical activity, it could be a sign that there's a problem with your heart.

      • Family history of sudden cardiac death. The other major warning sign is a family history of unexplained deaths before the age of 50. If this has occurred in your family, talk with your doctor about screening options.

    • Shortness of breath or chest pain could indicate that you're at risk of sudden cardiac death. They could also indicate other health problems in young people, such as asthma.”

  3. Assessment of Evidence-Based Health and Safety Policies on Sudden Death and Concussion Management in Secondary School Athletics: A Benchmark Study (Journal of Athletic Training, 2018)

    • “Such as appropriate training for all personnel, access within 3 minutes from every location on the school’s campus, and regular maintenance of the device(s) to ensure proper working order.”

    • “Clinicians can use these data to advocate for the adoption of statewide health and safety policies to mitigate the risks of sudden death and catastrophic injury during the sport participation of secondary school athletes.”

  4. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.110.971150

    • “2010 American Heart Association and American Red Cross Guidelines for First Aid” Water emergency first aid protocols by the american red cross and american heart association