Ministering to the Mind, Body and Spirit is the passion of parish nurses.  With the current environment with US Health Care, the parish nurse plays a vital link in the health of our communities.  These special nurses are often overworked, underpaid (if paid) and yet so vital.

Even with this hard work and effort, what happens if a parishioner goes into cardiac arrest?  Houses of worship are being confronted with the question, “Are we prepared for a medical emergency?” 

Not only in the faith community, but elsewhere, the placement of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) has increased.  The device is available for placement with anticipated use by laypeople.  An AED is the lifesaving device that will restart the heart and lives.  The next question is, “Do we need one?”  There are many questions that will help determine if, “to AED or Not AED”, is for you.

More about AEDs  A PAD (public access defibrillator) or AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) is the technology that has become the latest “buzz” in churches, schools and businesses.  These machines analyze, monitor and treat the lethal heart rhythms that occur in sudden cardiac death by delivering electrical shock to the victim, if appropriate.  They have been improved to allow the lay person to operate them with minimal training or expertise.  Many individuals who collapse due to a heart problem require immediate defibrillation to correct the rhythm and potentially save their lives. With the advent of increasing pressure for churches to provide PAD/AED programs, we felt it pertinent to communicate with Health Ministry leaders about this issue.

What is a PAD or AED program?  An AED is more than a box.  An entire program is needed to ensure success.  There are four key components needed:

1.  Training designated rescuers to perform CPR and use an AED.

2.  Having physician oversight to help ensure quality control.

3.  Integrating with the local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system

4.  Using and maintaining AED’s according to the manufacturer’s specifications

Health ministry teams should research the matter and make informed decisions regarding this issue.  The person designated to oversee the program should be “passion driven” and voluntary.  Problems arise when people receive compensation for services rendered.  If you are employed to utilize an AED or receive ANY type of compensation for using an AED the Good Samaritan Law will not cover you.  Health care professionals should carry professional liability insurance which should cover their practice. Consider how often large groups of people at risk will be in the area where an AED would be.  Also consider if at risk groups make up the majority of those who attend your church functions.  Develop standards of operation for the program.  Know what to ask the manufacturers. 

Health Ministry Teams Should Consider:  Can you afford the equipment, ongoing training, maintenance and supplies?  What will the program cost?  What is the likelihood of using an AED in your church?  Is using an AED always viewed as “morally” correct?  Is there someone willing to be responsible?  What are the liabilities associated with a PAD/AED program and use?  What do your local/state laws say about PAD/AED programs and use (While there is a federal Good Samaritan law, most states have also passed legislation.  Make sure to check out your states laws.)

How to choose an AED
 

.: What does an AED cost? There are 8 FDA approved AED manufacturers which offer a variety of AED types. Cost is as varied as the types of machines.  A committee approach is best when reviewing the many types of AED’s to determine the unit that best meets your needs.
 

.: What about training? A good choice of training for lay providers would be the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Heart Saver AED training. This type of training adheres to the Good Samaritan training requirements.  Contact your local AHA office for a list of Training Center’s in your area.

.: What about Medical Oversight?  Medical Oversight, through a prescription is part of an AED program.  A physician will need to sign for it.  This can be handled through a variety of mechanisms.  The American Heart Association has materials available that will assist with the safety plan and protocols.

.: Who monitors the program?  All good programs have a person that is responsible for program oversight.  This person does not need to be a medical professional.  They will ensure that materials are available, the equipment is maintained, training is adequate and that all guidelines are met. 

.: AEDs seem to all be different.  What features will fit our needs? All FDA approved AEDs perform an important function – they will shock a heart back into rhythm.  However, each has special features.  For instance, will the AED need both audio and written prompts to accommodate the hearing impaired?  Should you consider Pediatric Pads?  Once a committee is formed, it is wise to ask several manufactures to demonstrate their product.

.: How easy is it to use?  AEDs are very easy to use.  Training and ongoing reviews will keep responders at the ready should the need to use the AED arise.

.: What kinds of statistics/data can the manufacturer show? It is always great to talk to other venues that have deployed an AED.  Manufacturers can provide a list of other local Houses of Worship, schools or public venues that have placed or used an AED in your area.  It is always a good idea to “check references” and learn about the experience others have had with that device.