CHAPTER 3.00 – SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

3.30 Automatic External Defibrillators

POLICY:

I. The School Board authorizes the use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) in a perceived medical emergency. 

II. Using evidence-based core elements as well as considering recommendations by the American Heart Association, each school shall develop a plan for urgent life-saving emergencies (PULSE) to address the appropriate use of school personnel needed to respond to incidents involving an individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening emergency while on school grounds. 

III. All persons who are reasonably expected to use an AED shall be trained in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and how to use the defibrillator device. Employees or volunteers must complete a course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or a basic first aid course and demonstrated proficiency in the use of a defibrillator. 

IV. Each school must have at least one operational automated external defibrillator on school grounds. In addition, each school that is a member of the Florida High  School Athletic Association must have a separate operational AED on school  grounds for all athletic activities, including those held outside the school year. The device(s) shall be available in a clearly marked and publicized location(s). The location(s) of the device(s) shall be registered with the local emergency medical services director. All persons reasonably expected to use the device shall be notified annually in writing of the location of each AED on school  grounds. 

V. The Superintendent or designee shall develop procedures to implement this policy. School officials shall work with local emergency service providers to  integrate the PULSE into the community’s emergency responder protocols  and procedures. The protocols and procedures shall be reviewed annually and approved by the local emergency medical services director.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY : 1000.41, 1001.42,, F.S. 

LAWS IMPLEMENTED: 401.2915, 768.1325, 1001.42, 1001.43, 1006.165,  1003.457 F.S. 

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION RULE: 

History: Adopted: February 9, 2010 

Revision Date(s): October 14, 2025 

Formerly: NEW