Mass Transit magazine features agency profiles, industry trends, management tips and new product information.
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made against a person or organization using an AED in good faith.
DEPLOYMENT CHALLENGES Transit organizations must not de-
ploy AEDs casually, though, as they will be held responsible for suffi ciently implementing and maintaining the program to assure the AEDs are kept in good working order. In addition, in this age of tight public-sector budgets, mass transit organizations should purchase aff ordable, easy-to-use AEDs priced below $1,500 each. T ese AEDs will help to stretch dol-
lars, allow the organization to deploy a higher number of AEDs, and increase the chances of successful life saves.
MEETING STATE AND LOCAL REQUIREMENTS
A transit AED program must be
planned and implemented in accordance with any state and local requirements re-
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lating to AED placement, AED/CPR train- ing and certifi cation, program medical supervision, and registration with local EMS, Stickel says. "A mass transit orga- nization should have a dedicated AED program coordinator who is familiar with all requirements and that makes sure the organization meets them," he explains. T e coordinator should also oversee the day-to-day aspects of the AED program, including AED maintenance, recertifi - cation of staff , and review of any rescue episodes, he adds.
AFFORDABILITY While the average price of an AED
has become more aff ordable, the price tag for an entire transit system can be intimidating. Transit systems should look for AEDs that are aff ordable and durable, as well as ones that will not become obsolete. T e state of New Jersey used the buy- ing power of its cooperative purchasing
program to allow NJ Transit and fi re, police and other state and local entities to buy in bulk and signifi cantly reduce the cost per AED. T e state originally purchased 1,700 AEDs including those for NJ Transit in 2006. To date, more than 6,500 AEDs have been purchased through the cooperative agreement.
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE Transit systems should take mainte-
nance factors into account when choos- ing AED products and services. Many, if not most, AED failures can be traced to poor maintenance. AEDs are pow- ered by long-life batteries that need to be checked and replaced from time to time. Also, American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines relating to the proper way to use an AED and perform CPR are evolving as new knowledge about re- suscitation is discovered, and an AED's audio and video instructional prompts must match these guidelines.
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