Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program

According to the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS), there are 7,000 incidents of sudden cardiac arrest in the state of Maryland.  In order to achieve optimal outcomes, these time-sensitive medical emergencies demand immediate bystander intervention.  Research has shown that survival rates of sudden cardiac arrest are more than 4x greater when a bystander performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and applies an AED.

Maryland §13-517 requires that AEDs are registered with MIEMSS unless they are located in healthcare settings (e.g., physician’s office) or deployed with public safety officials.  AED registration helps to facilitate the public access AED program by:

• Making the locations of AEDs known to 911 centers, who can then direct callers to the devices during emergency situations.
• Providing contact information for AED owners so they can receive important notifications and updates.
• Enabling assessments of the impact of AEDs in specific locations to save lives.
• Extending certain immunities from civil liability related to AED use.

In accordance with MIEMSS, the City of Laurel Department of Emergency Management implemented and maintains a public access AED program.  This program aims to increase the availability and accessibility of AED throughout the City of Laurel.  Thus, increasing the chances of survival for those community members that experience sudden cardiac arrest.  Today, public access AEDs are located in the following City facilities:

• The Armory
• The Laurel Multiservice Center
• The Laurel Municipal Center
• The Gude Mansion
• The Robert J. DiPietro Community Center
• Greenview Pool (Seasonal)
• Laurel Municipal Pool (Seasonal)

Physio-Control LifePak CR2 AED

The City of Laurel has deployed approximately 20 Physio-Control LifePak CR2 AEDs throughout the City of Laurel in support of MIEMSS' AED initiatives.  The LifePak CR2 AED response system empowers bystanders to help save lives.  Its innovative, easy-to-operate technology allows continuous CPR and helps streamline communication across the system of care.  The design and clear graphics allows users to deliver a first shock 24 - 35 seconds fasters than other AEDs.  Pre-recorded instructions with cprCoach provides clear and precise instructions at every step of the resuscitation process: from hand placement to compression rate, and regular reminders regarding compression depth and duration.  Wireless cellular connection with the AED allows for:

• Automatic daily self-tests, software updates, and status notifications.
• Wireless monitoring to locate and track AEDs.
• Transferring of key event data from first responders to healthcare staff.

To learn more about the LifePark CR2 AED, please visit Physio-Control LifePak CR2 on the Stryker website.