This practice establishes minimum guidelines for prehospital automated defibrillation.

This practice does not preclude the use of automated defibrillators as prescribed by a licensed physician.

All persons who are identified as prehospital automated defibrillation operators shall meet the requirements of this practice.

Using this practice, emergency medical service institutions, organizations, and certification/licensing agencies should be able to develop standards for the certification/licensing and practice of the prehospital automated defibrillation operator.

1.1 This practice covers guidelines for the performance of automated defibrillation.

1.2 This practice is one in a set of performance guidelines for prehospital defibrillation.

1.3 This practice is specifically not meant to deal with equipment specifications, quality assurance, or training.

1.4 This practice is limited to external defibrillators used in the prehospital setting.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.