National Parks and Recreation Month: AEDs in the Great Outdoors

July is National Parks and Recreation Month! This annual celebration highlights outdoor parks’ importance to all communities. In any local place that brings a community together, it’s crucial to have safety measures in place; notably, an emergency preparedness plan that includes Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to help prevent accidents and minimize fatality risks should an emergency occur. 

Emergency Action Plans: Boosting Confidence and Safety in Parks

A park’s safety protocol should include the implementation of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP). This not only reassures visitors that they are in a safe environment but also empowers staff to respond effectively to emergencies. 

Components of an Effective Emergency Action Plan

An EAP identifies possible emergency situations that may occur and develops a pre-thought-out plan to prepare. An EAP could include deploying safety supplies and an AED program, requiring CPR and AED training for staff, and regularly scheduled drills to ensure efficiency if an emergency arises.  

AEDs are one of the tools of an effective EAP and should be available within 2 minutes from anywhere on park grounds to reach a medical emergency scene. 

Is It Required to Have an AED at Parks? 

While many states do not require by law an AED to be on the premises, it is still highly encouraged. The Florida law says that state parks are strongly encouraged to have a functioning automated external defibrillator (AED) available at all times on their premises. If a state park provides AEDs on site, they must ensure that their employees and volunteers receive proper training. The location of each AED should also be registered with the local emergency medical services medical director. 

AEDs in National Parks: Why Are AEDs Needed in Parks? 

There are many reasons why an AED may be needed in a state, national or recreational park aside from legal and liability considerations. Some reasons why a park should consider an AED include the following:

Remote Location

Many state and national parks are in remote areas far from medical facilities. Waiting for emergency medical services to respond delays the immediate care victims need when suffering from a cardiac emergency.

High Visitor Traffic

National parks attract many visitors every year. High-traffic areas often have a range of individuals, including residents, tourists, and people of various ages and backgrounds, that may have underlying medical conditions. With a large concentration of diverse individuals, the likelihood of an emergency increases.

Cardiac Arrest Risks

Cardiac arrest can affect anyone, anywhere, and at any time, even in seemingly healthy individuals. In addition, the risks for cardiac arrest emergencies can be heightened since many parks have strenuous outdoor activities like hiking and recreational sports. It’s also important to consider that these activities are often performed in extreme temperatures, contributing to dehydration, increased heart rate, and added stress on the cardiovascular system.

Deploying an AED program in national parks can demonstrate a park’s commitment to public safety and reassure individuals that the establishment is prepared to respond to medical emergencies so that they can enjoy all the fun outdoor activities offered with peace of mind.

Choosing the Best Outdoor AEDs for Parks

When finding the best AED for an outdoor park, it’s essential to consider AEDs for outdoor use. Some features and benefits to consider include: 

• Clear Visual Prompts: If an emergency arises in a busy environment, chaos can distract rescuers. Choosing an AED with clear visual prompts can help responders understand what to do during the rescue process, even in crowds or high-stress environments. The ZOLL AED 3 and the Defibtech Lifeline View both feature high-resolution color screens that can enhance the visibility of CPR aid prompts during emergencies. 

• On-the-go devices: Finding an AED that is both lightweight and has a handle for easy carrying makes for a great on-the-go device, which is helpful if the AED is transported around the park. The ZOLL AED Plus and Defibtech Lifeline AED have an easy grip handle and durable surfaces making them an excellent choice for on-the-go AEDs. 

• High Ingress Protection rating: Checking the high ingress protection (IP) rating on an AED can determine the AEDs resistance to damage from dust, dirt, and moisture which is essential to consider for a device hosted primarily outdoors. The HeartSine samaritan Pad 350P/360P and the HeartSine samaritan Pad 450P have an IP rating of 56, making them the most water-resistant, durable device and great for outdoor use. 

To learn more about the many features and benefits of these devices, check out the Heartsmart Buyer’s Guide. Let Heartsmart be your ally in creating a more heart-safe environment in your community. Contact us today at [email protected] or fill out our Contact Us form.