Skip to main content
sd64
Administrative Practices

AP S11 - Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

Legislative References: School Act Section 88(1); Ministerial Order (M149/89); Good Samaritan Act
Policy Reference:4.10 Healthy and Safe Environments
Collective Agreement References: None
Date:December 16, 2025

The District prioritizes emergency preparedness and response to safeguard the health and well being of students, staff, and visitors and supports the installation and use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) on District premises for use in unexpected health emergencies.

Definition

An AED is a portable electronic device that analyzes and looks for shockable heart rhythms, advises the rescuer of the need for defibrillation and delivers the shock if needed. An AED is considered an effective treatment for sudden cardiac arrest. Early defibrillation alternating with CPR is paramount to increase success for victims of sudden cardiac arrest. Defibrillation within the first 3 to 5 minutes of cardiac arrest will dramatically increase survival rates.

AEDs in schools/sites are intended primarily for use by staff with CPR/First Aid training certification by an authorized agency approved by WorkSafe BC. These devices are accessible to staff, students, and visitors at district facilities. Under the Good Samaritan Act of British Columbia, anyone who provides emergency care in good faith—including using an AED on someone who appears to be in cardiac arrest—is not held liable.

Processes

1.  Purchase, Registration, and Installation


1.1.
The District Principal for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) shall coordinate the procurement of all AEDs for schools and administrative sites.
1.2.The District Principal (OHS) shall:
1.2.1.
Ensure all AEDs are registered by the authorized dealer.
1.2.2.Maintain a registry of all AEDs in the District that includes make, model, and building location.
1.3.An AED shall be installed in an accessible location in every school/administrative site.
1.2.1.
Additional devices may be installed.
1.4.Placement of AEDs must be approved by the District Principal (OHS) in consultation with the administrator and the site Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC).


2.Signage and Information


2.1.
All AEDs must be identified with signage that is prominently displayed and easily visible to all potential users.
2.2The presence and location of AEDs in the workplace will be regularly communicated to the school/site community. Principals/site supervisors shall endeavour to communicate AED information using a variety of platforms, as appropriate, including:
2.2.1.
staff meetings,
2.2.2.school assemblies,
2.2.3.newsletters and websites,
2.2.4.facility rental information.


3.Roles and Responsibilities


3.1District Principal (OHS)
3.1.1.
Ensure all AEDs are registered.
3.1.2.Develop, maintain, and communicate a Safe Work Procedure for AEDs intended for trained first aid responders.
3.1.3.Annually review AED documentation, equipment operation, and maintenance records.
3.1.4.Notify local Emergency Medical Services of the existence, location, and type of AED at each school/site.
3.1.5.Ensure school/site administration is oriented to the correct use of the AED.
3.2.Principal/Site Supervisor
3.2.1.
Ensure staff are aware of students with existing relevant health conditions where AED may be required.
3.2.2.Maintain, with the site JOHSC, a specifications/technical information sheet for each approved AED model in their school or site.
3.2.3.Ensure staff are provided yearly orientation to the location of AED(s) and emergency procedures.
3.2.4.Inform the parent/guardian immediately if the AED is utilized on a student.
3.2.5.Notify Superintendent immediately following AED use on any person.
3.2.6.Debrief with involved staff.
3.2.7.Review incidents involving AED discharge with Site JOHSC and District Principal (OHS).
3.2.8.Support completion of incident reports.
3.3.First Aid Designate and Trained First Aid Responders
3.3.1.
All designated staff must be trained in AED use.
3.4.Site Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee
3.4.1.
Conduct regular AED inspections.
3.4.2.Track inspection records in regular meeting minutes.
3.4.3.Communicate deficits to the District Principal (OHS).


4.Inspection, Maintenance, and Replacement


4.1Principal/site supervisor will ensure that AEDs are inspected regularly, and no less than two (2) times per year.
4.2.Regular inspections will be scheduled to:
4.2.1.
Check LED status indicator is functioning properly.
4.2.2.Ensure the unit is accessible and unobstructed.
4.2.3.Check cabinet condition, pad expiry date, and battery indicator.
4.2.4.Verify Wi-Fi connectivity (if remote monitoring is enabled).
4.2.5.Refer to manufacturer’s troubleshooting guide if any indicator shows an error.
4.2.6.Document inspections in the AED Inspection Log (retained at the school).
4.3.The site JOHSC, through the Principal/site supervisor, will contact the District Principal (OHS) when replacement parts or warranty repairs are needed.
4.3.1.
Electrode pads are single use and must be replaced after each use.
4.3.2.Replacement of batter/pad combo packs is typically expire after five years and must be replaced prior to expiration.
4.4.AED unites include automated self-testing (daily, weekly, monthly), and remote monitoring alerts for low battery, pad expiry, failed self-tests, or loss of connectivity.
4.4.1.
If a unit fails a self-test or displays an error, contact the manufacturer to arrange immediate replacement AED and provide instructions for returning the affected unit.
4.5.After a real-world use, schools must replace the pads and battery – no additional services is required.

Appended to this Administrative Practice:

Back to top
GULF ISLANDS SCHOOL DISTRICT 64