AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AED) | Policy Manual

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 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 action plan for sudden cardiac that:

requires that AEDs are maintained properly;
establishes a goal of responding within three (3) minutes to a sudden cardiac arrest occurring within the venue;
requires periodic drills;
requires the plan to be posted in a conspicuous place in the venue visible to participants;
requires the plan be shared with 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, and all student participants before the beginning of the season for each event in which students have an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest; and
is distributed to the Board and all Corporation employees.

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, placement of the AED, training, and oversight by a medical doctor or by the local EMS Medical Director. The Board also directs the Superintendent, in conjunction with the Medical Director, to review the guidelines, as appropriate. The AED devices shall be located in school buildings for use by employees with proper AED training.

Revised 4/14/25