AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AED)

AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AED)

po8452Adopted June 11, 2024Revised December 9, 2025

8452 - AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AED)

The School Board has determined that it may enhance school safety to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) placed in building(s) within the School Corporation.

An AED is a medical device that contains a heart monitor and defibrillator that is used to administer an electric shock through a person's chest wall to the heart. The built-in computer system of the AED assesses the patient's heart rhythm, determines whether defibrillation is needed, and then administers a shock, if necessary. Audible and/or visual prompts guide the user through the process of using the AED.

The Corporation shall develop a venue specific emergency action plan for sudden cardiac arrest and, for the 2025-2026 school year, do so in collaboration with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and the local health department, that includes the following:

  1. A cardiac emergency response plan (CERP) that includes the core elements set forth by either the American Heart Association or other nationally recognized recommendations, including recommendations set by the National Athletic Trainers Association.
  2. A requirement that the CERP be widely distributed and posted throughout the school, rehearsed frequently, and updated annually.
  3. A requirement that AEDs must be clearly marked and easily accessible at each venue where an athletic activity may occur or within one (1) to three (3) minutes of where each athletic activity is held. AEDs must be placed in accordance with guidelines set by the American Heart Association or other nationally recognized guidelines focused on emergency cardiovascular care.
  4. A requirement that the Board work directly with local providers of emergency medical services (as defined in I.C. 16-18-2-110) to integrate the CERP into the community's local provider protocols.
  5. A requirement that the AEDs must be made available for use by all individuals, regardless of an individual's training.
  6. A requirement that appropriate school staff and volunteers are trained in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and AED use in a manner that follows evidence-based guidelines set forth by the American Heart Association or other nationally recognized guidelines focused on emergency cardiovascular care.
  7. A systematic procedure for maintaining each AED in proper functioning order and storing needed supplies with the AED.
  8. Periodic drills to prepare each head coach and assistant coach of an athletic activity, marching band leader, drama or musical leader, sponsor of an extracurricular activity in which students have an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest, and other appropriate venue staff for a sudden cardiac arrest.
  9. A requirement that at least one drill will be held before the beginning of each season during which the venue will be used for an activity.

Each Principal or Building Administrator shall manage the venue-specific emergency action plan for sudden cardiac arrest. The plan shall be shared with each head coach and assistant coach of an athletic activity, marching band leader, drama or musical leader, and sponsor of an extracurricular activity in which students have an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest. The plan shall be posted in a conspicuous place so that it is visible to participants of an activity in the venue. Before the beginning of each season in a venue hosting activities in which students have an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest, the plan shall be shared with the participating students.

The Superintendent shall develop a system by which each AED is maintained properly.

Each head coach or assistant coach of an athletic activity, marching band leader, drama or musical leader, or sponsor of an extracurricular activity in which students have an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest shall be required to participate in a sudden cardiac arrest training course, which includes the use of an AED. (See Policy 1520.08 - Employment of Personnel for Extracurricular Activities, Policy 3120.08 - Employment of Personnel for Extracurricular Activities, Policy 4120.08 - Employment of Personnel for Extracurricular Activities, and Policy 8455 - Coach Training, References, and IHSAA Reporting)

The Board directs the Superintendent to develop guidelines that govern AEDs, including the use of the AED, and the placement of the AED. The Board also directs the Superintendent, in conjunction with the local emergency medical services, to review the guidelines, as appropriate. AEDs must be made available for use by all individuals, regardless of training.

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