With the implementation of Automatic External Defibrillation at the BLS level in pre-hospital care, there is no formal recognition/licensing of units by the state. Recognition and approval of AED units rests with the regional EMS council who is responsible for notifying the Department of Health of such units. Similarly, EMT's trained in AED receive no formal recognition or certification from the state. AED Units will receive recognition issued by the regional EMS council.

1. The service must submit an application that must be approved by EMSNP. Said application will include the following:

a.) Identify the proposed service.

b) Identify a qualified AED program medical director.

c) Present an analysis of system capability to effectively implement the AED program and evidence of integration of proposed AED program with a licensed BLS and/or ALS service.

d) Provide a personnel roster. Include certification level, certification number and expiration date, along with the kind of kind of AED training received for each individual on the roster.

2. The service must have an AED medial director who is:

a) A licensed MD or DO in Pennsylvania.

b) Possess a valid Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) number. The AED Medical Director will have the following roles and responsibilities:

1. Supervise and participate in training .
2. Fulfill all quality assurance requirements

c) Authorize individuals to be trained in AED and provide a list to the regional council yearly of personnel meeting AED continuing education requirements.

d) Approve specific AED Equipment

3. The service must have an AED program coordinator who is:

1. AED trained
2. Appointed by the unit AED medical director

4. The service must have 24-hour response with AED personnel responding to cardiac calls. To qualify for AED training personnel must:

1. Be currently certified Pennsylvania EMT, First Responders, Health Professionals, or Paramedics
2. Be currently certified in CPR
3. Be members of an authorized AED service.

AED training requirements: Participation in, and successful completion of, an Automatic External Defibrillation program approved by the Department of Health. Approved courses include: EMT New Curriculum, (July 1996), EMT-Transition Course, American Heart - AED Module, or American Red Cross AED Module

5. All AED personnel must be dispatched by the Communications Center

6. AED services must adhere to statewide reporting of AED device usage via the state approved trip sheet and regional AED report form.

7. AED services must participate in the quality assurance program as defined by the regional council.

Revised 4/26/02