AED

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ADMINISTRATION

Eric Fenstermaker
Eric FenstermakerAdministrator
Serving Since 2004
Brian Beach
Brian BeachAssistant Administrator
Serving Since 2016

809 State Street, Suite 301
La Porte, IN 46350
Phone (LP): 219-326-6808 Ext. 2296
Phone: (MC): 219-872-0117
Fax: 219-872-0117
EMERGENCIES DIAL 9-1-1

OFFICE HOURS

Monday – Friday
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Privacy Practices Notice

AED COLLECTIVE

Welcome to the AED Collective. We are a group of community partners working together to ensure our community has a safe, manageable and efficient program to help people who are suffering a serious heart event have the best chance at survival. The AED Collective includes staff from La Porte County EMS and the Health Foundation of La Porte (HFL), who are working on a special project to place AEDs in our community in the right place, every time, and to help educate on the importance of maintenance and training programs around AEDs. Together, as a community, we can make a big difference in helping our friends, loved ones and neighbors survive cardiac arrest.

Join the AED Collective and be part of the action! Already have an AED? Register it here

FAQ

AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator. It is a portable computerized medical device that can recognize heart rhythms that require a shock, and deliver it. AEDs can be used by virtually anybody to help revive someone who may be having a serious heart event, like a heart attack or rhythm problem. The AED will literally walk you through its usage via verbal commands.  The worst thing you can do is nothing!

It uses voice prompts, lights, and text messages on the device to tell the rescuer what steps to take while using the machine. The user typically places the contact points on the patient’s body as instructed. An AED is designed to be used for emergency purposes while 911 is being called.

The AED Collective advocates for the American Heart Association’s position on placement of AEDs in public areas, and has been working diligently to determine where AEDs should be placed in our community. Ideally, AEDs should be available in targeted public areas, such as sports arenas/fields, gyms, shopping malls, physician offices, churches, schools, etc. Any place that hosts a high population of people should have an AED readily accessible.

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PURCHASING GUIDELINES

There are many different types and brands of AEDs for sale, at various price levels. The AED Collective recommends:

  • Purchasing the Stryker LIFEPAK CR2 Defibrillator model of AED. This is compatible with the devices used by La Porte County EMS ambulances. This is also the same model our local AED Collective, with support from HFL, purchases for various locations in need. Having the same model makes it easier for Emergency Responders in our county to provide fast, efficient care because they don’t have to change out the defib pads when the patient is transferred to a LaPorte County EMS ambulance.
  • Per Indiana state law, someone in your facility must employ at least one person who has completed and passed a course approved by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross, and who is currently certified in CPR and AED use.
  • Register your device with La Porte County EMS. This is very important so local first responders know what is out there, and so you can more efficiently maintain your device. Registration is FREE.
  • Consult the Operating Instructions provided with your AED prior to implementation!!!!!
  • Develop a maintenance plan for your AED, and follow it!
REGISTER YOUR DEVICE WITH PULSEPOINT (Replaces old LaPorte County EMS Registration)

Operation Guidance and Placement

For AED education and maintenance information, refer to your manufacturer’s Operating Instructions.

If you have a Stryker LIFEPAK Model, you may use these links:

Sample AED Monthly Checklist

***PLEASE NOTE***

Your AED should be:

  • Easily accessible to anyone during the hours of operation for your facility, whether open to the public or employees.
  • Placed in high-traffic areas that are both secure and accessible.
  • Able to reach the potential victim within three minutes.
  • At a height so that to reach the handle of the AED should not be more than 48 inches high per Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.
  • In multilevel buildings, located in the same location on each level.
  • Visible, clearly marked for easy recognition by guests..
  • Known and familiar to all staff members.

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