AEDs in Faith-Based Communities

Early defibrillation by using an automated external defibrillator (AED) improves patient outcomes for persons experiencing a sudden cardiac event in the community setting. The purpose of this project was to work with the faith community’s safety committee to plan, implement, and evaluate education on the use and maintenance of the AED in the faith community setting. The long-term goal of this project was to promote safety for individuals attending church functions who might experience a sudden cardiac event. Kotter’s eight steps to lead change along with the American Heart Association’s (AHA) AED Implementing an AED Program booklet provided the framework to plan and implement a maintainable AED program in a faith-based community. The faith community’s safety committee agreed to oversee the AED education and maintenance project. Ongoing meetings with the safety committee chair and other faith community members provided a way to get input about how to implement change in the current faith community practice regarding the AED. The safety committee agreed to support this project by participating in education and making policy updates to the AED maintenance plan to require monthly checks of the equipment using a checklist recommended by the AHA. The safety committee communicated with church leaders to gain support for obtaining medical control as required by state laws. It was found that all safety committee members are trained in basic life support (BLS) including the use of an AED. The plan included extending an opportunity for faith community members to participate in AED education. Over 30 participants were provided a 3 minute AED education video to view on their personal device, and then the participants participated in a 15 minute hands-on skills opportunity followed by a question and answer session. Participants were asked to complete an evaluation of the AED education and the results showed the education improved confidence and the participants reported being more likely to use the AED in case of a sudden cardiac event due to their increased confidence the education provided. As a result of this project, the safety committee members will maintain current BLS certification, have a written policy for monthly AED equipment maintenance using a checklist, view an AED demonstration video every 6 months, and help increase awareness by supporting an annual AED awareness campaign in February during American Heart month. The safety committee was instrumental in obtaining a local physician to oversee the AED education and maintenance program as required by state laws.