Early Defibrillation Programs

Reaffirmed by the ACEP Board of Directors October 2006
Revised and approved by the ACEP Board of Directors June 1999
Originally approved by the ACEP Board of Directors October 1998 

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) believes that the efficacy of early defibrillation with the reliable technology of current automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) is proven and widely accepted within the out-of-hospital provider community. However, before early defibrillation programs can be promoted in a widespread manner, they must be integrated into or coordinated with EMS systems that are designed to maximize the potential for survival in the ventricular fibrillation victim.

AEDs should be carried on all basic life support ambulances. AEDs should also be available to Medical First Responders such as police and fire personnel and to other designated first responders in highly congested population areas.

ACEP endorses the widespread availability of AEDs and the implementation of early defibrillation programs coordinated with an EMS delivery system to ensure the following:

• Immediate activation of the EMS system for the ventricular fibrillation victim
  
   
• Immediate delivery of CPR
  
   
• Early defibrillation by the first designated responder to arrive on the scene
  
   
• Timely provision of Advanced Life Support
  
   
• Rapid transport to an emergency medical facility
  
   
• Medical direction of all components including the AED program.

All of these factors are critical to ensure that the EMS personnel can optimally treat victims of cardiac arrest. Appropriate monitoring of quality of care and outcomes must occur. Legislation may be necessary in some locations to allow for Medical First Responders to use AEDs.