Risk Management Alert Topic: AEDs and Emergency Oxygen in Aquatic Environments AEDs and emergency oxygen, though not a panacea, have been demonstrated to be effective lifesaving tools in public facilities. Aquatic environments arguably have even more potential for benefit as the use of supplemental oxygen or an AED may make the difference between a successful resuscitation and a tragedy. While such equipment has not yet become mandatory, its availability and use certainly is at least prudent. In a wet environment, the most common concern involving AEDs is the potential electrical hazard to those in the general proximity. Numerous tests have been performed using both one- and two-phase devices on simulated victims in both fresh and salt water. These tests demonstrated that the defibrillation of a patient in a wet environment produced insignificant electrical potential that posed a negligible risk to the patient, operator, or bystanders. To provide an even greater safety margin, the following protocol for the use of an AED in a wet environment is recommended: The primary safety concern during the operation of the AED is that no one should be touching the patient when the defibrillator is discharged. As long as the electrode pads are properly placed and there is no contact between the operator or bystanders and the patient, there is no direct current path that would cause a shock to those other than the patient. When administering oxygen in combination with an AED, be sure that the oxygen is removed from the victim and placed several feet away or that the oxygen flow is shut off when a shock is delivered. This is to reduce the possibility that the electrical charge from the AED may ignite the oxygen-enriched space surrounding the victim. Any victim of a potentially life threatening emergency, without exception, should receive emergency oxygen. In a drowning or any other hypoxic emergency the vital organs and tissue of the victim will suffer from low oxygen levels, that, if sustained, will lead to brain damage and cardiac arrest. It is important to restore as much oxygen to the victim as possible through the use of emergency oxygen. Oxygen should be administered to both breathing victims, via a mask, and non-breathing victims through rescue breaths. Oxygen use should be maintained until EMS arrives, even if the victim appears to recover. Please call us at 800-463-8546 to discuss this or any other risk management safety tip, or visit our web site at www.redwoodsgroup.com to learn more about YMCA risk management related issues.
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| Risk Management services are provided by The Redwoods Group to assist the insured in fulfilling its responsibilities for the control of potential loss-producing situations involving their YMCA operations. The information contained is not intended as legal advice; it simply represents trends in the YMCA industry, related industries and/or law. Laws and suggested standards are under constant review by courts, states and trade groups. They can be vastly different in each jurisdiction. For legal advice relating to any subject addressed, YMCAs are advised to seek the services of a local personal attorney. The information is provided "AS IS" without warranty of any kind and The Redwoods Group expressly disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to any information contained, including all implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The Redwoods Group assumes no liability of any kind for information and data contained or for any course of action you may take in reliance thereon. |
| released 1/23/04 |