8452 - AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AED)

1. No later than July 1, 2027, each District school shall have at least one (1) operational AED on school grounds. The AED must be available in a clearly marked and publicized location. Schools must maintain the AED according to the manufacturer's recommendations and maintain all verification records for such defibrillators.
2. In addition to the one (1) operational AED that must be on school grounds, each public school in the District that is a member of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) must have a separate operational AED on school grounds in a clearly marked and publicized location for each athletic contest, practice, workout, or conditioning session, including those conducted outside of the school year.
3. An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a medical device designed to analyze the heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to victims of ventricular fibrillation to restore the heart rhythm to normal. Ventricular fibrillation is the uncoordinated heart rhythm most often responsible for sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when ventricular fibrillation takes place or when the heart stops beating altogether. Without medical attention, the victim collapses, loses consciousness, becomes unresponsive, and dies. Many victims have no prior history of heart disease and are stricken without warning.
4. All employees or volunteers who are reasonably expected to use an AED will be required to complete appropriate training, including completion of a course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or a basic first aid course that includes CPR and demonstrated proficiency in the use of an AED. All employees or volunteers who are reasonably expected to use an AED shall be notified annually of the location of each AED on school grounds.  The location of each AED must also be registered with a local emergency medical services medical director.
5. Each District school shall develop a plan for urgent life-saving emergencies (PULSE) that addresses the appropriate use of school personnel to respond to incidents involving an individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening emergency while on school grounds. Each PULSE must integrate evidence-based core elements and consider those elements recommended by the American Heart Association for schools responding to cardiac emergencies. District officials shall work directly with local emergency service providers to integrate the PULSE into the community's emergency responder protocols.
6. In accordance with State law, any person, including District employees or volunteers who uses or attempts to use an AED on a victim of a perceived medical emergency, without objection of the victim of the perceived medical emergency, is immune from civil liability for any harm resulting from the use or attempted use of such AED, subject to certain exceptions set forth in Florida law.
7. If an AED device is placed in a building, the Board directs the Superintendent to develop procedures that govern AEDs, including, but not limited to, the use of the AED, placement of the AED, training, and maintenance and testing of the devices. In promulgating these procedures, the Superintendent shall follow the procedures and recommendations developed pursuant to State law by the Secretary of the Department of Health.

Revised 2/8/22
Revised 10/7/25

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