In today's busy world, churches stand as a sanctuary for worship and a place to connect with neighbors, friends, and the community. These spaces welcome hundreds of congregants weekly, with the majority of members being elderly. In fact, over 65% of adults 65 and older attend church at least once a week, and the median age of most church denominations is between 50 and 60 years old. That is approximately 77 million people that attend church once a week in the US.
Given this demographic, ensuring the safety of your church members is of utmost importance. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death in the United States, claiming approximately 350,000 lives annually and primarily striking the older age groups.
Being prepared for such medical emergencies is essential, and this is where Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) come into play. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that can deliver a controlled electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest.
Having an AED readily available in your church setting can allow you to respond quickly to cardiac emergencies, potentially saving lives and providing peace of mind to the congregation. You can be confident that help is always within a brisk walk, not a drive.
At AED First Response, we understand the unique AED needs of churches. We work with a great number of churches, synagogues, and temples across the county, providing AEDs, AED accessories, and expert advice on what products to choose.
In this blog post, we will explain why every church should have an AED, the legal requirements, and how to get one. We’ll also dive into some frequently asked questions church staff have about AED placement, training, and best practices for usage.
Why Get an AED for Your Church?
There are a number of reasons why having an AED in your church is absolutely crucial.
Increasing Age, Increasing Risk
With the median age of most church denominations being between 50 and 60 years old, the risk of SCA is naturally higher in churches. Older adults are more susceptible to heart conditions that can lead to cardiac arrest. Having an AED close by ensures that your church is ready in the event of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest situation.
Rapid Response in Emergencies
Time is of the essence during a sudden cardiac arrest. Every minute that passes without defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by 7-10%. Having an AED readily accessible means you're prepared to act quickly and don’t have to wait upwards of 10-20 minutes for 911 to arrive. Those few minutes could be the difference between life and death.
Peace of Mind for Congregants
Knowing that their place of worship is equipped with life-saving technology provides elderly congregants with peace of mind. It demonstrates that the church takes its duty of care seriously and is committed to protecting its community. This assurance can encourage more people to participate in events, knowing they’re in a safe environment.
Immediate access to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) could be the difference between life and death for your congregants.
Legal Requirements for AEDs in Churches
Currently, there are no federal laws requiring churches to have AEDs. However, some states and localities have their own regulations regarding AED placement in public spaces. Churches should be aware of these legal landscapes and strive to exceed rather than meet the minimum safety standard.
However, while not legally binding, adopting AEDs as part of a church's safety protocol is considered best practice. Legal considerations aside, the moral obligation to protect congregants can be a powerful motivator for you to invest in an AED for your church.
Investing in an AED ensures that your congregation has the best chance of survival during a cardiac emergency. - AEDs have been approved for use by first responders around the world for over 3 decades. It is believed to have saved 3 million lives.
Hear How an AED Made a Difference for Church Members and Staff
“Thank you. We deeply appreciate your excellent service and keeping track of this for us. It is important for us to have a well maintained AED.”
Grace and peace,
Pastor Gerry Whetstone
How to Get an AED for Your Church
Getting an AED for your church involves a few key steps. Begin by assessing the size of your congregation and the layout of your facility to determine how many devices you may need. Then browse our listed “AED products for churches” above. For personalized guidance on selecting the right AED, give us a call at AED First Response at 888.462.9502. We're here to help you choose the best product for your needs and can walk you through every step.
How Do You Maintain Your Church AED?
At AED First Response, we are dedicated to not only helping churches acquire AEDs but also to providing ongoing maintenance and support. Fortunately, AEDs are straightforward to maintain, requiring only periodic battery and pad replacements. To simplify this process, we offer a convenient reminder program that alerts you when it's time to replace these components. Partnering with us ensures that your church’s life-saving equipment remains dependable and ready for any emergency, giving you peace of mind that you’re always prepared.
FAQs about AEDs in Churches
What is sudden cardiac arrest?
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a major health issue, taking the lives of over 350,000 individuals annually. Plus, 1 in 300 young people have an undetected heart condition that increases their risk for a cardiac event. The American Heart Association estimates that expanding access to AEDs could potentially save 50,000 lives each year.
What is an AED?
An AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm of someone in sudden cardiac arrest and delivers an electric shock, if necessary, to restore it to normal.
How do I know when someone is in sudden cardiac arrest?
Signs that someone may be in sudden cardiac arrest include sudden collapse, unresponsiveness, and lack of normal breathing. The person may appear unconscious and not respond to verbal or physical stimuli. They may also experience dizziness, lightheadedness, extreme fatigue, weakness, nausea, or vomiting.
How many AEDs does my church need?
The number of AEDs your church needs depends on its square footage size and layout. For smaller churches, one AED may be sufficient if it’s centrally located and easily accessible. Larger churches or those with multiple buildings should consider placing AEDs in key areas, such as near the main worship space, in fellowship halls, and in areas where large gatherings occur. You want to ensure that where you are on the property, you’re only a two-minute walk away from an AED.
Where do I put the AED inside my church?
The AED should be placed in a highly visible, easily accessible location within your church. Ideal spots include near the main entrance, in high-traffic areas, or in the vicinity of the main worship space. Ensure the location is clearly marked with signs and that the AED is mounted in a secure yet easily reachable AED cabinet.
Can the AED also be used on children in the congregation?
Yes, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be used on children, though you will need to outfit it with the right equipment. Most AEDs come with pediatric pads or settings that are designed for use on children under the age of 8 or those weighing less than 55 pounds. These pediatric settings adjust the shock levels to be safe and appropriate for younger patients. So, if you want your AED to be usable for children, we recommend buying an AED that has pediatric capability built in.
Is my church legally required to have an AED?
No, churches and other faith-based organizations are not legally required to have AEDs on-site. However, because many churchgoers are older, it is imperative that you have one. Having one can ensure that you are prepared in the event of a cardiac emergency and don’t have to wait for 911 to arrive.
Who should administer the AED?
While anyone can take on this responsibility, it is best to assign it to someone who is always at the Church. Ideally, a staff member(s) or regular attendee(s) would be deemed an “AED Program Manager.” They should know where all AEDs are and be trained in how to use them. You could even hold a training event for all the staff and volunteers of your church to ensure they know how to use the AED correctly.
Can I get a grant for my AED?
Yes, it is possible to obtain a grant for an AED. Various organizations, including government agencies, non-profits, and health foundations, offer grants or funding opportunities for purchasing AEDs.
Reach out to AED First Response To Secure an AED for Your Church Today
Contact AED First Response today at 888.462.9502 or email customerservice@aedfirstresponse.com to find the best AED for your church. Our team will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you choose the right option for your needs. With AED First Response, you can expect a smooth, professional, friendly experience and a team dedicated to your congregation’s safety.
