1010-Policy and Administrative Regulations Regarding Automatic External Defibrillators

In order to assist individuals who may experience sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening emergency during the school’s normal operational hours, during school-sponsored athletic practices and athletic events taking place on school grounds, and during school-sponsored events not occurring during the normal operational hours of the school, the Newtown Board of Education (the “Board”) maintains at each school under the Board’s jurisdiction, automatic external defibrillators (“AEDs”) and school personnel trained in the operation of such automatic external defibrillators and the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is the policy of the Board to support the use of these automatic external defibrillators and trained school personnel during medically appropriate circumstances. 

Requirements concerning the use and maintenance of AEDs are set forth in the accompanying Administrative Regulations as may be supplemented by or amended by the Administration from time to time. 

For purposes of this policy and the accompanying regulations, an AED is a device that:

1) is used to administer an electric shock through the chest wall to the heart;

2) contains internal decision-making electronics, microcomputers or special software that allows it to interpret physiologic signals, make medical diagnosis and, if necessary, apply therapy; 

3) guides the user through the process of using the device by audible or visual prompts; and 

4) does not require the user to employ any discretion or judgment in its use. 

Legal References: 

Connecticut General Statutes 

§ 19a-175 Definitions 

§ 52-557b Good Samaritan Law 

§ 10-212d Availability of Automatic External Defibrillators in Schools 

Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies 

Department of Public Health § 19a-179-1 et seq. 

Approved: December 3, 2024 NEWTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS Newtown, Connecticut 

ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS 

I. Definitions: 

Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) — a device that: (A) is used to administer an electric shock through the chest wall to the heart; (B) contains internal decision-making electronics, microcomputers or special software that allows it to interpret physiologic signals, make medical diagnosis, and, if necessary, apply therapy; (C) guides the user through the process of using the device by audible or visual prompts; and (D) does not require the user to employ any discretion or judgment in its use. 

AED certified person— a person who is certified in the operation of automatic external defibrillators and the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and has a copy of his/her certification on record with the Newtown Public Schools. 

II. Defibrillator Location 

1. The Newtown Public Schools will have defibrillators and at least one AED certified person in each school building under the jurisdiction of the Newtown Board of Education (the “Board”). 

2. The AEDs will be strategically placed and readily accessible to maximize rapid utilization. 

III. Responsibility for Operation, Maintenance and Record-Keeping 

1. The school nurse at each building in which an AED is installed will check the AED in the building on a regular basis, at least monthly. It will be that nurse's responsibility to verify that the unit is in the proper location, that it has all the appropriate equipment (battery, mask, case, emergency pack), that it is ready for use, and that a maintenance check has been performed. If the nurse notes any problems, or the AED’s maintenance check has identified any problems, the nurse must contact the School Nurse Supervisor or designee immediately to report the problem. 

The athletic trainer is responsible for monitoring the two AED’s assigned to the Athletic Department. 

2. After performing an AED check, the nurse shall indicate on the AED service log (Appendix III) that the unit has been inspected and that it was found to be “In-Service” or “Out-of-Service. 

3. The School Nurse Supervisor or his/her designee shall be responsible for the following: 

a) AED service checks during the contracted school year; 

b) the replacement of equipment and supplies for the AED; 

c) the repair and service of the AED; 

d) all recordkeeping for the equipment during the school year; 

e) training, or scheduling training, for all Board employees who require such training or would like to receive such training; 

f) maintaining a list of AED certified persons; 

g) maintaining all records concerning incidents involving the use of an AED; 

h) maintaining of copies of the certifications signed by the AED certified persons (Appendix IV); 

i) reporting the need for revising the AED policy and administrative regulations to the Superintendent or designee. 

IV. Training for AED certified persons 

The Board will provide initial training or refresher training to the following classes of individuals on an annual basis: 

1. Staff who work in the Health Services Department, including all school nurses and the School Nurse Supervisor; 

2. Staff who work in the Athletic Department, including all athletic trainers, head coaches and the Athletic Director; 

3. All building administrators; and 

4. Other designated faculty and staff at each school. 

The training will be provided in accordance with the standards set forth by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. An individual completing this training will be considered an AED certified person. 

V. Procedures for Use of an AED 

1. To the extent practicable, AEDs should be retrieved and used by AED certified persons or other trained emergency medical services personnel. In the event no AED certified person or other trained emergency medical services personnel is available or present, an AED may be used by any individual in order to provide emergency care to an

individual who may be in cardiac arrest or who may be experiencing a similar life-threatening emergency. 

2. AEDs may only be used in medically appropriate circumstances.

3. In the event of use, the School Nurse Supervisor shall promptly thereafter complete an AED check and verify that the unit is in the proper location, that it has all the appropriate equipment (battery, mask, case, emergency pack), that it is ready for use, and that a maintenance check has been performed. Any problems with the AED shall immediately be reported to the School Nurse Supervisor. 

Administrative Regulations Adopted: December 3, 2024 

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