| Date Created | Date 1st Review Due | Date Reviewed | Version | Next Review Due |
| June 2026 | June 2027 | |||
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
An AED is a machine used to give an electric shock when a person is in cardiac arrest, i.e. when the heart stops beating normally. Cardiac arrest can affect people of any age and without any warning. If this happens, quick action in the form of early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and prompt defibrillation can help save a person’s life.
Overall survival rates vary across the country, but range between 2% and 12%. However, survival rates as high as 75% have been reported where CPR and defibrillation are delivered promptly. This is why the statutory guidance on supporting pupils at school with medical conditions advises schools to consider purchasing an AED as part of their first
aid equipment.’
The chain of survival
In the event of a cardiac arrest, defibrillation can help save lives, but to be effective, it should be delivered as part of the chain of survival. There are four stages to the chain of survival, and these should happen in the correct order. When carried out quickly, they can drastically increase the likelihood of a person surviving a cardiac arrest.
They are:
1. Early recognition and call for help. Dial 999 to alert the emergency services. The emergency services operator can stay on the line with you and advise on giving CPR and using an AED. They will guide you throughout so try to remain calm and listen carefully.
2. Early CPR – to create an artificial circulation. Chest compressions push blood around the heart and to vital organs like the brain. If a person is unwilling or unable to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, he or she may still perform compression- only CPR.
3. Early defibrillation – to attempt to restore a normal heart rhythm and hence blood and oxygen circulation around the body. Some people experiencing a cardiac arrest will have a ‘non-shockable rhythm’. In this case, continuing CPR until the emergency services arrive is paramount.
4. Early post-resuscitation care – to stabilise the patient.
Anyone is capable of delivering stages 1 to 3 at the scene of the incident. However, it is important to emphasise that life-saving interventions such as CPR and defibrillation (stages 2 and 3) are only intended to help buy time until the emergency services arrive, which is why dialling 999 is the first step in the chain of survival. Unless the emergency services have been notified promptly, the person will not receive the post-resuscitation care that they need to stabilise their condition and restore their quality of life (stage
Defibrillation is a vital link in the chain and, the sooner it can be administered, the greater the chance of survival.’ (Automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) a guide for schools DfE Publications April 2016)
Location
The AED is located in the First Aid Room next door to the kitchen in the reception area.
Training
Although AEDs are designed to be used by someone without any specific training and by following step by step instructions on the AED at the time of use, a number of staff have been trained in the safe use of the AED. All first Aiders are trained in AED. A list of the first aiders are available in all areas of the school including the first aid room.
Action Plan
The action plan to be followed if resuscitation is needed is set out in Appendix
Maintenance
The Headteacher or the Administration Officer will check the AED every month for warning indicators. The AED is kept with a number of accessories/consumables to ensure that it is always ready for use. Where necessary, these will be replaced after every incident. As Egham Park School rents the AED the company it is rented from, they will ensure all maintenance is carried out regularly.
Appendix 1