POLICY

A. Purpose

This policy describes the requirements for acquisition, deployment, and ongoing management of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab). The policy and program apply to both on-site and off-site laboratory locations.

B. Persons Affected

This policy applies to:

• Division personnel who are responsible for AED acquisition, placement, and associated local plan development
• Employees trained in CPR/AED use for the purpose of assisting in an emergency situation
• Any untrained employees who may provide assistance in an emergency situation

C. Exceptions

Not applicable.

D. Policy Statement

It is the policy of Berkeley Lab to maintain a safe workplace. The Health Services Group, in conjunction with Protective Services, has developed this policy and implementation plan for the consistent and uniform deployment and ongoing management of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program at Berkeley Lab. This policy and implementing procedure applies to both on-site and off-site Laboratory locations, regardless of county location, for the treatment of victims eight years of age and older.

An AED is used to treat victims who experience sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). It is only to be applied to victims who are unconscious, without signs of circulation and normal breathing. The AED will analyze the heart rhythm and advise the operator if a shockable rhythm is detected. If a shockable rhythm is detected, the AED will charge to the appropriate energy level and advise the operator to deliver a shock.

AEDs (and related items that may require periodic replacement) are provided by Health Services at the request of the division. An AED is a standardized and controlled procurement item that requires a physician "prescription" for deployment and use. The Berkeley Lab Site Occupational Medical Director is the physician of record for the AED Program.  

The requesting division is responsible for coordinating the location of the AED with the building manager and a Protective Services representative to ensure compliance with state and local Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access guidelines and for uniformity of setup.  Divisions are also responsible for the work order to install the AED storage box, the development of the local emergency plan for AED use, and ensuring there are trained personnel in the area where the AED is located. A master list of AED locations is maintained by Health Services; this list is utilized by inspectors to perform the required monthly maintenance checks and for required reporting to the county. 

Any AED use must be promptly reported to Health Services, which is responsible for organizing the post-event review and debriefing.  

E. Roles and Responsibilities

Managers, supervisors, and employees have the responsibility to adhere to the provisions of this policy.

F. Definitions/Acronyms

G. Recordkeeping Requirements

See Section E, Roles and Responsibilities, for more information about the following recordkeeping requirements:

• Monthly operational status checks
• List of currently trained personnel for each AED location
• Local AED plans
• Current prescriptions for AED use
• Report of CPR or AED Use
• Additional event documentation for any use of the AED

H. Implementing Documents

I. Contact Information

Pedro L. Estacio, Site Occupational Medical Director
EHS, Health Services Group
plestacio@lbl.gov

Susan Broadway, Program Manager
EHS, Health Services Group
scbroadway@lbl.gov

J. Revision History

DOCUMENT INFORMATION

Source Requirements Documents

None

Other Driving Requirements

• California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 9, Chapter 1.8: Training Standards and Utilization for Use of the Automated External Defibrillator by Non-Licensed or Non-Certified Personnel.
• California Health and Safety Code, Division 2.5, Chapter 1: Emergency Medical Services System and the Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Care Personnel Act (1797.5).
• California Health and Safety Code, Division 2.5, Chapter 3: AEDs (1797.196).
• Alameda and Contra Costa County Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) Policies.

Implementing Documents