SE6 - Automated External Defibrillators

Purpose

To establish the appropriate requirements for defibrillation equipment at aquatic facilities.

Description

Providing an automated external defibrillator can reduce the risk of fatality from cardiac arrest. It is a useful addition for Aquatic Facility where there is a risk of electrocution or where there are large numbers of employees or the public.

All aquatic facilities should provide an automated external defibrillator for use by trained personnel in minor and major emergencies.

Automated external defibrillators are designed to be used by trained or untrained persons.

They should be located in an area that is clearly visible, accessible and not exposed to extreme temperatures. They should be clearly signed and maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Design of Defibrillation Equipment

Only equipment that conforms to the current Australian Standard AS 60601.2.4:2018 should be provided at an Aquatic Facility.

Location

Defibrillation Equipment should be located:

1. In a prominent, accessible location and able to be retrieved promptly.
2. Close to areas where there is a higher risk of injury or illness.

Storage

Defibrillation equipment should be stored safely in a clean, dry, ventilated location free from dust, oil, grease, heat, sand and easily accessible to trained staff.

Defibrillation Signage

Emergency floor plans displayed in the Aquatic Facility should include the location of Defibrillation Equipment and signage should be consistent with the Guidelines for Aquatic Safety Signage.

Contents

The AED kit must contain the following items as a minimum:

Pre Operational Checks

AED equipment should be inspected and checked (and this check recorded) for correct operation and adequacy prior to an Aquatic Facility opening to the public each day of operation.

This includes but is not limited to:

• Ensure that items are in good working order, have not deteriorated and are within their expiry dates and that sterile products are sealed and have not been tampered with
• Checking all equipment has been cleaned and is fully operational; disposable razor, cloths, pen and paper, wipes, shears and masks
• Checking the battery is operational

Servicing

All equipment should be serviced and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations or at least annually, or after any problem in operation, or when the trained operator is uncertain of performance.

The battery should be serviced annually, preferably during non-peak times (winter months), and all consumable equipment checked for expiry.

Service agents should also have:

• Adequate insurance to cover any claim made against them or their company in the event of their negligence causing injury to persons or damage to property
• Be capable of obtaining the correct replacement parts for the units
• Be prepared to label and date such units as being serviced by the person;
• Be able to maintain a service register of equipment

Maintenance of Defibrillation Equipment

The owner or manager of an Aquatic Facility should:

• Maintain the defibrillation equipment in a clean and tidy manner
• Monitor access to the defibrillation equipment and ensure any items used are replaced as soon as practicable after use
• Undertake regular checks (at least once every 12 months) to ensure the defibrillation equipment contains a complete set of the required items
• Maintain a signed register of checks completed

Qualifications

Defibrillators are designed to be able to be administered by untrained bystanders.

Staffs at an Aquatic Facility who have a duty of care to administer first aid should:

1. Hold one of the following (or equivalent) current nationally recognised Statement/s of Attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for the nationally endorsed first aid unit/s of competency:
   • HLTAID001A Provide Resuscitation
   • HLTAID006A Provide Advanced First Aid
   • HLTAID007 Provide Advanced Resuscitation
   • PUAOPE010C Operate an automated external defibrillator in an emergency
2. Hold a current (or can demonstrate current industry skills equivalent to) HLTAID001 Provide Resuscitation statement of attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for the nationally endorsed first aid unit/s of competency
3. Meet all requirements of that of a First Aider

References

• Work Place Health and Safety Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – First Aid Code of Practice
• Australian Qualifications Framework
• Australian Resuscitation Council Guidelines
• Defibrillation Gear and Equipment Checklist