Suggested steps to starting a Public Access to Defibrillation program in your community
- Start a community task force of 5 to 7 people, who would work to develop the program. The group would be made up of:
- Task Force Coordinator
- Medical Director
- Device Coordinator
- CPR/AED Educator
- City/Town Official
- Resource People
- School Administrator
- Complete a needs assessment to determine the locations that require an AED and how and who would would need training and how the machines will be maintained.
- Work to educate the community on the need and gain support for your program
- Find a Medical Director, if required in your Province or Territory
- Research the devices that you would purchase
- Begin to look for funding to support through organizations such as:
- Civic Organizations.
- Corporate Organizations, that maybe interested in donating
- Grants – Through governments and other private foundations
- Community Fundraisers
- Develop a response and training plan
- Train rescuers
- Install equipment
- Maintain equipment
