An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is capable of recognizing the presence or absence of ventricular fibrillation or rapid ventricular tachycardia and is capable of determining without intervention by an operator, whether defibrillation should be performed. The AED automatically charges and requests delivery of an electrical impulse to an individual’s heart.

AED Placement in Schools:

• All public schools must have at least one (1) AED device placed within the school, and it will be identified with signage. Any AEDs must be placed within a school or on school grounds in accordance with the guidelines established in the cardiac emergency response plan pursuant to Policy C-221. ^1,6
• Each placement of an AED shall be supervised and endorsed by a physician with an unrestricted license to practice medicine or osteopathy in Tennessee.
• An AED shall not be placed in an office that is not accessible to any person and shall be placed in an unlocked location during school hours or school events. The placement shall allow for the AED to be used on an individual who may experience a sudden cardiac arrest event while the individual is on-site of the school youth athletic activity within three (3) minutes.
• All AEDs shall be registered with emergency medical service providers.
• Misuse or abuse of any AED device on school property by a student is disorderly conduct and the student shall be subject to disciplinary action.

AED Program for Use in Schools:

• Each school shall have an AED action plan, written plan and post-incident report.
• A list of individuals authorized to use the AED shall be posted (response team).
• AEDs shall be maintained, tested and operated according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and records of testing performed must be kept.
• Each school shall perform yearly AED drills and view an AED awareness video.
• Each time an AED is used for an individual in cardiac arrest, an emergency medical service shall be summoned to provide aid as soon as possible.

AED Training:

• All AED users must be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and proper AED use via the American Heart Association guidelines.
• AED training may be offered to school bus drivers contracted by Knox County Schools.²

Knox County Schools, teachers, or other persons employed by Knox County Schools responsible for an AED program shall not be liable for any civil liability or any personal injury that results from an act or omission that does not amount to willful or wanton misconduct or gross negligence if the applicable provision and program and the rules adopted by the Tennessee Department of Health have been met by Knox County Schools and have been followed by the individual using the AED.

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Legal References:

1. T.C.A. § 49-2-122.
2. T.C.A. § 49-2-122(h).
3. T.C.A. § 68-140-402.
4. T.C.A. § 68-140-404.
5. T.C.A. § 68-140-408.
6. T.C.A. § 68-6-101 et seq. 

Approved as to Legal Form By Knox County Law Director 8/16/2024 /Gary T. Dupler/Deputy Law Director