An examination of AED implementation and related risk management practices in high school athletic departments

This study examined AED implementation, related risk management practices, and perceived constraints to AED implementation in high school athletic departments in one southern state in the United States. High school administrators (N = 269) participated in this study. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analyses, tests of point-biserial correlation coefficients, and t-tests revealed that a majority of the respondents were athletic directors (75.5%), at public schools (75.0%), CPR certified (65.9%), had worked in their current position for 10 years or less (72.2%), and had no or limited knowledge of their state's AED immunity laws (79%). Significantly (p < .05) more of the respondents indicated that their high school athletic departments did not have an AED(s). Significantly (p < .05) more schools with an AED(s) were not following American Heart Association AED program implementation guidelines. Also, some schools were not fully complying with the state's AED legislative immunity provisions and therefore may not be afforded certain liability protections. The primary perceived constraints to AED implementation were (a) associated financial costs (purchase, maintenance, certifications, staff training), (b) concern that having an AED(s) was not a current standard industry practice, (c) lack of information about protection from liability, (d) lack of information regarding required AED training and certification, and (e) lack of information regarding related supervisory responsibilities. Given the importance of AEDs as lifesaving devices and the increased implementation of AEDs in schools and athletic departments, these findings may assist AED education and promotional efforts targeted toward school and athletic administrators.

► We examined AED implementation in high school athletic departments in one US state.
► We examined risk management practices and perceived constraints to AED implementation.
► Few athletic departments had implemented an AED program.
► Major constraints were costs, and lack of industry standard and liability information.
► Some departments were not complying with industry standards or immunity provisions.