Does your fire engine carry an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)? If you don't, why not?

AED's can be found at airport terminals and malls. The unit is designed for Joe Public to use... no training, just use it...

So... Do you carry an AED, and if so what kind is it and would you recommend it for others to purchase?

If you don't carry one, why not?

Note: Fire department emergency response units, staffed by paramedics are not limited to carrying an AED, but instead have access to advanced life support modalities, trained personnel and specialized equipment including a defibrillator.

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Permalink Reply by Oldman on February 15, 2011 at 7:15pm

My department operates MICU EMS and the engines are classified as a first responder unit. By EMS rules in Texas, we must have AEDs on the apparatus. myself and the other Chief Officers also carry them in our department trucks. I also carry one in my POV.

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Permalink Reply by Dolph Holmes on February 16, 2011 at 6:16pm

Our engine that operates extrication equipment has an AED, Jump kit with advanced equipment and some stuff
for rehab. As a rural dept we thought it best since we only have one ambulance and mutual aid can be a long way off sometimes.

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Permalink Reply by Oldman on February 16, 2011 at 7:42pm

BTW, an AED is recommended in the current NFPA 1901.

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Permalink Reply by Lt. Shane Peterson on February 16, 2011 at 7:59pm

Because we are Medical First Responders, and all our Engines have to be certified as BLS (non-transport) response units, we are mandated to carry AED's.

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Permalink Reply by James Burton (Jamie) on February 16, 2011 at 9:11pm

where!!! I have been looking for this for a while and there is no NFPA regulation about carrying AED's on Fire Trucks. If its around somewhere I would love to see it because we have a truck being built at the moment, and a small town Volunteer Department cannot afford to go out and spend 6 grand.

I read a discussion like this about two months ago and people are always stating the NFPA, but I have yet to see anything in black and white.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on February 16, 2011 at 11:26pm

Perhaps Ralph's City Manager needs to do his homework. Makes one wonder how his health is... Again, it's found in shopping malls...

Does your fire engine carry an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)? If you don't, why not?

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