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

Posted October 5, 2006