POLICY:
Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) recognizes that equipping the school’s campus with AED’s and training staff and students in their use, increases the potential to save lives in the event of a health emergency, including cardiac arrest. WSSB’s superintendent authorizes the placement of AED’s on campus. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) requires that any person using an AED receive training. WSSB will designate and train selected staff in the use of AED’s according to the DOH guidelines. Student instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitations, to include appropriate use of an AED, will occur in at least one health class necessary for graduation. This policy does not create any implied or express guarantee, or obligation to use an AED, nor does it create an expectation that an AED or trained employee or student will be present and able to use an AED, even if a condition arose that made the use of an AED beneficial.
A person who uses an AED at the scene of an emergency and all other person and entities providing services is immune from civil liability for any personal injury that results from any act or omission in the use of the AED in an emergency setting, unless the acts or omissions amount to gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.
Under Washington’s “Good Samaritan” law (RCW 4.24.300), “any person, including, but not limited to, a volunteer provider of emergency or medical services, who without compensation or the expectation of compensation renders emergency care at the scene of an emergency or who participates in transporting, not for compensation, there from an injured person or person for emergency medical treatment shall not be liable for civil damages resulting from any act or omission in the rendering of such emergency care or in transporting such persons, other than acts of omissions constituting gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.”
The superintendent, along with the school nurses will develop procedures for the placement, maintenance, and use of AEDs on campus.
Legal References: RCW 28A.230, RCW 4.24.300, RCW 70.54.310