eMed America

Although AEDs are designed for use by laypeople with minimal training, they are classified as medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and cannot be purchased without a prescription from a physician. This physician often also serves as the "medical director" of an AED Program. He or she is not expected to be on the scene when AEDs are used, but provides ongoing medical oversight.

The medical director provides the "standing orders" to be followed in the case of a medical emergency. The physician may sign off on training plans and policies and procedures, update them to take into account new treatment recommendations, evaluate data recorded on an AED during a medical emergency, and help assess each use of an AED to suggest any improvements.

In many states in the U.S., documentation of medical authorization is required to be covered by Good Samaritan legislation.

Medical direction may be provided by:

• A physician employed by your facility (common in large manufacturing firms)
• Local EMS
• An interested physician in the community or local hospital

Click here for an EMED AED/Defibrillator Medical Authorization Form

Contact EMED today for assistance in obtaining Medical Direction & Oversight for your AED Program.

Corporate Offices:
10800 Financial Center Parkway, Suite 340
Little Rock, Arkansas 72211
Office: (501) 223-5157
Toll Free: (866) 327-EMED(3633)
Facsimile: (877) 329-EMED (3633)

E-mail: info@emedamerica.com