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42 / MARCH.APRIL.2019 USICERINKS.COM day-to-day basis. A key responsibility for the program coordinator is to communi- cate with ownership and management, as well as selected responders, employees and the general public. Management Support When initially considering the retention of an AED, be sure that ownership and management are on board. To the extent that they need information, provide it. This will assist in identifying poten- tial barriers to the successful implementation of the program early on. Review State and Local Laws Most states specify the type of training needed for responders (those who actually use the AEDs), how to coordinate with state or local EMS, as well as maintenance of the AED program. Most states require a state-licensed physician to serve as a medical supervisor of an AED program. Most states require a facility to notify local EMS of the existence of an AED program and to register the program with local EMS. Finally, most states require AED responders to complete a training course for CPR/AED responders, such as the AHA's Heartsaver AED course. When implementing an AED program, the AHA recommends the following 3 : 1. Medical Oversight and Quality Improvement – Utilize a physician or healthcare provider to oversee the initial implementation of the program and review it on an annual basis. This should include approval and implemen- tation of the initial employee training. 2. Notify Local EMS – Inform local EMS about the location(s) of any AEDs in a facility. This saves time in the event of an emergency. 3. Selection, Placement and Maintenance of AEDs – Choose an AED that best suits the size and scope of the facility. Determine whether the AED should be affixed to a particular location, or whether it should remain portable. Determine whether the AED should have an automatic noti- fication system, which immediately notifies EMS when it is triggered. Always maintain the AED so that it is fully functional when needed. 4. Designate and Train AED Responders – Identify the employ- ees who will serve as responders. Coordinate their schedule so that there is at least one responder on duty during all operational hours. Train and continue to re-train the AED responders. LEGAL ISSUES If a facility decides to implement an AED program, it should work with counsel to document the decisions made during the implementation process. Decisions about location of the device or devices, the par- ticular technology of the devices, the selec- tion and training of staff to serve as AED responders and other AED-related pro- tocols could, following an incident, come under the scrutiny of a plaintiffs' attorney. If operating multiple facilities, an opera- tor must be consistent in its policies and procedures amongst its various locations. In addition, a facility operator needs to understand the nature and extent of any Good Samaritan laws, which may apply. Finally, a facility should check with its insurer to determine whether the actions or inactions with respect to AEDs are covered under its policy. If a facility has an AED and someone suffers a heart attack and dies, a lawsuit could contain allegations that the facility lacked properly-trained staff, failed to locate the AED in an appropriate, easy- to-reach place, or had an AED that failed to operate properly. An operator needs to con- firm whether it is covered for claims such as this before it brings an AED into the fold. AEDs save lives. However, if a facility decides to have an AED onsite, the deci- sion comes with a corresponding need to properly implement a comprehensive AED program. J This article originally appeared in the May/June 2012 issue of RINK Magazine. 1-3 American Heart Association AED Implementation Guide. Solving the AED Dilemma , It's important staff knows where and how to use a facility's AED and emergency equipment.