Automated External Defibrillator

That the Chicago Board of Education (“Board) rescind Board Report 03-0625-PO02 the Use of Automatic External Defibrillators in Chicago Public Schools and adopt a New Automated External Defibrillator Policy. The policy was posted for public comment from October 15, 2021 to November 15, 2021.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this policy is to establish standard operating procedures required in the maintenance of Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) in Chicago Public Schools. AEDs make early defibrillation, a potentially life-saving procedure, accessible to any individual in an active and occupied CPS facility.

I. Definitions

• Automated External Defibrillator (AED): an automated, portable medical device programmed to analyze heart rhythm, recognize rhythms that require defibrillation and provide visual and voice prompts for the device operator to deliver an electric shock if indicated.
• AED Response Team: individuals at a CPS facility where an AED is located who have been trained to use an AED and perform CPR in response to a possible sudden cardiac arrest situation.
• Bystander CPR: CPR without mouth-to-mouth breaths for use as initial first aid in response to a possible cardiac arrest situation, also called “Hands-Only CPR.”
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating that provides chest compressions and breaths.
• Defibrillation: administering an electrical impulse to an individual in order to restore normal heart rhythms.
• Emergency Medical System (EMS): professional community responder agency for emergency events that provide medical assistance and/or ambulance transport.
• Medical Emergency Preparedness Plan: A school-based plan that describes the prevention and response protocols for health-related emergencies, including but not limited to anaphylaxis, diabetes emergencies, and cardiac arrest.
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA): A life-threatening event when a person’s heart stops or fails to produce a pulse.
• Trained AED User: a person who has successfully completed a course of instruction on AED use and performing CPR in accordance with the standards of a nationally recognized organization.

II. Scope

This policy applies to all schools and administrative buildings that receive one or more District-issued Automatic External Defibrillators (AED). The Chief Health Officer and Chief of Facilities, or their designees, must collaborate to ensure schools comply with the emergency response protocols, training, and maintenance required under the district’s AED program.

III. Responsibilities And Oversight

• The Chief Health Officer will provide medical expertise and general oversight of the AED program. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
  
  1. Approval of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED training program. The Office of Student Health and Wellness will maintain a list of organizations approved to deliver CPR and AED training.
  2. Providing medical consultation and post-incident debriefing support.
  3. Approval of protocols for the use of AED and other medical equipment.
• The Chief Health Officer or designee will oversee school training compliance and review of incidents involving the use of the AED. The Chief Health Officer or designee will also act as a liaison between the school Emergency Management Team, CPR/AED trainers, and EMS.
• The Chief of Facilities will oversee the purchase, installation, and maintenance of AED units (Section VII).

IV. Automated External Defibrillator Emergency Response Protocol

• Medical Emergency Preparedness Plan
  
  1. The Principal or designee must complete the Medical Emergency Preparedness Plan annually that includes planning for a possible sudden cardiac arrest. Plans must be submitted through the CPS Emergency Management Portal.
  2. The Office of Student Health and Wellness must submit plans to the Department of Public Health as required by Illinois law.
• In the event of sudden cardiac arrest, school staff must:
  
  1. Perform CPR and administer the AED IMMEDIATELY.
  2. Call 911. When possible, one person should call 911 while another is performing CPR/administering the AED.
  3. Notify the parent/guardian.
• Within 24 hours of the AED being used or CPR being performed on school property, a school administrator must:
  
  1. File an incident report.
  2. Notify the AED manufacturer that an AED has been used. A vendor technician will perform a service visit to replace any used disposals and return the AED to “Rescue Ready” status.

V. Liability

When an AED is used or CPR performed in good faith and in accordance with the individual’s training, the individual is not responsible for any civil damages as a result of any act or omission, except for willful or wanton misconduct (actual or deliberate intention to cause harm or which, if not intentional, shows an utter indifference for the safety of others). Use of an AED or providing CPR may also be covered under the Good Samaritan Act.

VI. AED Training

• Training must include CPR and AED emergency medical care prepared according to nationally recognized standards. All certifications need to be renewed every 2 years or otherwise per original equipment maker’s (OEM) recommendations.
• Certifications from other organizations must be pre-approved by the Chief Health Officer or designee.
• Each CPS building with an AED must have 2, full-time, permanent staff trained per AED unit in the building. Principals must identify staff to be certified in AED/CPR for their school buildings. The Office of Student Health and Wellness must work with non-school staff to ensure training compliance in administrative buildings.
  
• Certain job roles require AED/CPR certification independent of this policy. However, these positions only count towards a school’s training requirement if they are staffed by full-time, permanent employees. These include, but may not be limited to:
  
  • Nurses
  • Lifeguards, in accordance with the District’s Aquatics Policy
  • Physical Education Teachers
  • Coaches
  • Security guards
  • Special Education Classroom Assistants
  • Dining staff
  • Athletic Directors or Coaches responsible for portable AEDs for off-site athletic events.

  VII. AED Maintenance

  • AED equipment must remain in good repair and must undergo regular maintenance inspections as prescribed by the AED manufacturer.
    
    1. The CPS Building Engineer must complete a monthly visual inspection to ensure the unit (battery, pads, etc.) is ready-to-use and displaying a green LED indicator light.
    2. AEDs must be serviced annually by manufacturer/vendor technicians.
    3. All documents and records of periodic AED maintenance must be retained by the contracted vendor(s) and must be made available to CPS upon request.
  • The AED units, cabinets, and signage must be installed according to manufacturer guidelines and placed in the facility in accordance with State regulations.
  • Requests for installation of additional AED units must be made by the Principal and approved by the Office of Student Health & Wellness in consultation with the Department of Facilities.

  Policy References

  Amends/Rescinds	Rescinds 03-0625-PO02
  Cross References
  Legal References	410 ILCS 4/1, 745 ILCS 49/12, 210 ILCS 74/1 - 74/55, 105 ILCS 110/3, Illinois Administrative Code - 77 Ill. Adm. Code 525.600
  Public Comment	Pursuant to Board Rule 2-6 this Policy was subject to Public Comment from October 15, 2021 to November 15, 2021.