Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in MCPS Facilities
All MCPS schools are equipped with AEDs. State and county legislation require MCPS to operate a district AED program for all secondary schools and any facilities with MCPS-managed swimming pools. Each high school with an athletics program is equipped with at least three AEDs in wall-mounted cabinets: one by the main office, one by the main gymnasium, and one in proximity to the stadium field (typically in the ticket booth or the concession stand). Additionally, AEDs are assigned to the athletics specialists and athletic trainers for use at school athletic events and practices. Each middle school and elementary school is equipped with at least two AEDs in wall-mounted cabinets: one by the main office and one by the main gymnasium. Middle school athletic departments are also provided AEDs for use at school athletic events and practices. AEDs are located where most appropriate in other designated facilities.
Only the Systemwide Safety Programs Unit is authorized to acquire MCPS AEDs and register them with the state. Schools, facilities, other offices, and individuals are not permitted to acquire AEDs for MCPS school/facility use. MCPS AEDs also may not be permanently relocated unless approved by the Systemwide Safety Programs Unit.
AEDs must be available for use at all AED program schools and facilities when anyone shows signs of sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating as a result of a disruption of its electrical system. SCA causes a cessation of cardiac activity and blood flow to the body, such that the victim becomes unresponsive with no normal breathing and no signs of circulation (movement, coughing, detectable pulse). Without immediate treatment, SCA usually results in death. AEDs are designed to deliver an electrical shock that restores normal heart rhythm.
MCPS AED program guidelines, established to ensure compliance with state and county law, are linked below. Key program requirements include employee training and monthly inspections of all AEDs by school and facility staff. Biennial cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED training is provided to designated staff, including the following employees:
MCPS schools and facilities with AEDs must immediately contact Peter Park, Team Leader, Systemwide Safety Programs, Office of Systemwide Safety and Emergency Management, at 301-370-2141 (cell) or via email (Peter_Park@mcpsmd.org) if:
Questions may be directed to Peter Park, Team Leader, Systemwide Safety Programs, Office of Systemwide Safety and Emergency Management, at 240-740-7752 or via e-mail.
Field Trip Loaner AED Request Form
MCPS schools may use the Field Trip Loaner AED Request Form to request an MCPS Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for use during a field trip with a student with a 504 plan, IEP, or IHCP requiring a readily available AED. An MCPS employee currently certified in CPR/AED must be present throughout the field trip. Upon completion of the field trip, the AED will be retrieved by the MCPS Systemwide Safety Programs Unit (SSP) of the Office of Systemwide Safety and Emergency Management. If a suspected cardiac arrest occurs for anyone participating in the field trip, the AED pads are placed on anyone for any reason, or there are any problems with the AED, the school must contact SSP as soon as possible at: 301-370-2141 or Peter_Park@mcpsmd.org.
The form should be submitted at least two weeks before the field trip, to ensure a loaner AED is available. If information is missing or unclear, SSP will contact the requestor for clarification. The requestor will be notified if the request is approved, and delivery of the loaner AED will be scheduled. The requestor will be responsible for ensuring the AED is returned in good condition.
Hands-Only CPR Instructional Videos from the American Heart Association
More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital in the US each year. When CPR is performed immediately by a bystander, the victim's chance of survival can double or triple. The videos below, from the American Heart Association, describe how to perform hands-only CPR.
CPR/AED Training for Athletics and Intramural Staff
All MCPS high school and middle school athletics and intramural coaches, coordinators, and directors must be certified in CPR/AED prior to participating in school-sponsored athletics or intramural activities. To maintain certification, staff must complete the training every two years. High school athletics staff receive training from MCPS certified athletic trainers. Middle school athletics and intramural staff receive training from MCPS' AED vendor (Rescue One). The schedule of CPR/AED training sessions for middle school athletics and intramural staff for the 2023-2024 school year is below:
All group training sessions are reserved for MCPS employees only (8 students maximum), and they are provided free of charge to MCPS athletics and intramural staff. All sessions will be conducted at:
Rescue One Training for Life Inc.
7621 Rickenbacker Drive, Suite 700
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
New information about digital eCards: MCPS employees will begin receiving digital course completion eCards instead of physical certification cards in 2021. When registering for CPR/AED training, employees must provide one email address (an MCPS email is recommended). After completing the training, employees will be emailed a link to download (as a PDF file) their eCard. The eCard must be downloaded within 30 days, before the link becomes inactive. Directions for claiming and viewing eCards can be downloaded here.
To attend one of these sessions, MCPS middle school athletics and intramural staff must enroll online at Rescue One's website: www.rescue-one.com. Directions for enrolling are below:
1. At Rescue One's website (www.rescue-one.com), click on the Training tab and then choose Course Schedule:
If you have any questions, please contact Peter Park, Team Leader, Systemwide Safety Programs, Office of Systemwide Safety and Emergency Management, at Peter_Park@mcpmsd.org.