3 Reasons Why You Should Care about AED Compliance Management

AED compliance management systems are specialized tools that help AED program managers and occupational health and safety officers by tracking AED registration, sending performance check reminders, and by making sure AED owners are updated on the latest AED laws and regulations for their state.

Last week, we covered a few AED best practices, and this week we’re going to dive a little deeper into the importance of AED compliance and AED compliance management systems.

Reason # 1: Simply having an AED May Not Be Enough to Save a Life

Each year, more than 360,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States (American Heart Association). Sudden cardiac arrest — an electrical malfunction in the heart that disrupts the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain and other vital organs — is a leading cause of death among Americans (AHA).

In fact, 95% of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital. While incredibly grim, there’s no reason why we can’t turn these statistics around. Cardiac arrest victims who received a shock from a publicly-available AED that was administered by a bystander had more than double the odds of survival to hospital discharge (EHS Today).

Perhaps as a result of these hopeful numbers, many states have mandated the installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public and government buildings, and more and more employers across the United States are installing AEDs to protect their employees, customers, and visitors.

However, if your AED is out-of-compliance and is not rescue-ready, it’s not going to get the job done. Batteries and pads can expire, rendering your costly piece of equipment into little more than a high-tech wall decoration.

Reason #2: AED Compliance Management = Peace of Mind

Health and safety officers and facilities managers have plenty of systems and operations to keep in good running order. Whether your organization has one or dozens of AEDs, leave your AED compliance and maintenance to the AED professionals!

Compliance management systems make it easy to register and track your life-saving devices. It’s easy to overlook AED maintenance checks. With Cardio Partners’ online AED compliance management system, LifeShield, however, you’ll never forget another check-in. Our system sends an email reminder every 30 days so you can enjoy peace of mind while keeping your focus on your business. It also offers unit readiness, expiration tracking, and medical direction. A 24-hour AED use helpline helps you train new employees and get the most out of your devices.

Reason #3: Out-of-Compliance AEDs Can Result in a Lawsuit

Last year, the family of a woman who died on a 2016 American Airlines filed a lawsuit claiming that the airline was negligent in handling the medical emergency suffered by their daughter. Potential rescuers on board the aircraft attempted to use an automatic external defibrillator on the passenger, but the device failed (Inc.com).

AED owners are subject to State and Federal regulations meant to ensure medical devices operate as intended, and regular inspections and performance checks are necessary to ensure that medical devices are in compliance with those regulations. AEDs that don’t work not only cost lives, but they result in tragic and entirely preventable lawsuits. Keep your AEDs in good working order with a reliable compliance management system such as LifeShield Compliance Management System.

User-friendly online AED Compliance Management Systems are the safest way to make sure that your equipment is up-to-date and is ready to save lives. Dramatically reduce your legal liability by investing in a complete compliance system.

At Cardio Partners, we’re dedicated to making sure that your workplace and your communities are well-prepared and well-protected in the event of a medical emergency. For more information on our CPR and first aid training courses, our AED and defibrillator service and preventative maintenance programs, or LifeShield, our online compliance management program, contact Cardio Partners at 800-544-0004 or email us at customerservice@cardiopartners.com