Starting a Community-Based AED Program: A Checklist

The following is an overview of the steps that are required to start a community-based AED program:

I. Getting Started

1. Assessing Community Readiness And Needs

2. Identifying A Champion

3. Forming A Committee

II. Implementation

4. Developing A Mission Statement And Statement of Need

5. Obtaining Medical Direction

6. Estimating Program Costs

7. Obtaining Funding

8. Generating Community Support

   • Promoting media coverage

   • Sending appeal letters

   • Lobbying political leaders

9. Developing/Integrating AED Policy

10. Planning Initial/Refresher Training

11. Selecting and Placing AEDs

    • Selecting An AED

    • Determining AED Placement

III. Running An AED/PAD Program

12. Maintaining AEDs

13. Program Evaluation And Quality Assurance

14. Training/Retraining