March 14, 2025: AED software updates
Good Afternoon,
As a quick housekeeping item, my work plan is always to send this newsletter on Fridays, but the exact time is TBD. Some weeks it's early, and some weeks - like last week in Oslo and today with jet lag after flying home from Amsterdam - it's late. As always, I appreciate you being here with me!
At SGE Camp in January, I heard several great sessions by Paul Snobelen, Community Resuscitation Programs specialist with Peel Regional Paramedic Services. I can't replace his expertise - if you have the opportunity to see him present, please do! - but I want to share some jarring takeaways I had from his session on AED software updates.
I've been in this industry long enough to remember when we learned CPR without presupposing access to AEDs. In 2025, AEDs are in many public spaces because we know early intervention works: 9 in 10 cardiac arrest victims who receive a shock from an AED in the first minute live, according to the American Heart Association. AEDS are a great thing.
However! Far too many organizations are complacent when it comes to AED care and maintenance. My husband will tell you how many times we've been out in public (restaurants, movie theatres, gyms, two cruise ships) and I ended up telling the business we're patronizing the batteries or pads for their primary AED are expired. I always check any AED I walk by.
I do this because back in 2006, I was on a split lifeguard shift, and - while I went out for a run - the team responded to an individual without vital signs (VSA) in the dry sports complex. The $0.99 disposable razor that came with the AED broke on the man's hirsute chest; there were no extra AED pads to "wax" the hair off; and so poor pad contact precluded the delivery of shocks. The autopsy showed it wouldn't have made a difference, but I've always carried that responsibility forward into my work. It's not enough just to buy and have the AED in the building.
Better preparation would be stocking extra sets of batteries for the AED; extra adult & pediatric pads; a whole package of high-quality (e.g. Mach3, not BIC Lady) razors & spare blades or even hair clippers with extra batteries; wet wipes (to remove the shaved hair); towels (to dry off the casualty); kitchen shears (to cut open shirts and underwire bras); etc. in a go-bag with essential barrier devices like gloves, pocket mask, face shield, etc. (The manufacturer usually provides one set, I recommend you add several more!)
Now, since Paul's session, I would also add to this list: how old is your AED and is it up-to-date enough to meet the standard of care during an actual cardiac emergency?
What was completely news to me - even as a long-time first aid instructor (FAI) and first aid instructor trainer (FAI-T) - was the significant software/program updates that occurred to AEDs as of 2007.
The main critical and oversimplified points I wish to make are as follows:
1) If you have an older, monophasic (pre-2007) AED, should you go to use it and the resuscitation is not successful, it would be a reasonable question during legal discovery to ask if the the minimum standard of care was met by the organization providing the AED because the software, including shock procedures, are outdated (monophasic) from the current medical guidance.
2) If you have a current, biphasic (post-2007 ) AED, have you kept up with the software updates? ILCOR has changed the guidance on CPR and AED use several times in the last 15 years. Manufacturers create new programs and issue periodic software updates/patches. Does your device have the most up-to-date information to work effectively in an emergency?
In terms of action item from this new information, you will want to investigate the make and model of your AED to check with the manufacturer regarding the status of the unit and any mandatory software/program updates. Further, do you have weekly/monthly/quarterly/annual AED maintenance procedures that align with the manufacturer's recommendations?
An example Paul gave is that some organizations make it a practice to turn on the AED once a month to verify it works. That sounds great, in principle, but Paul stated that for some AEDs* that monthly check can drain system batteries and memory because the AED does a full system startup as though preparing to deliver an actual shock. A more appropriate alternative for some AEDs* may be to uninstall and reinstall the battery pack to initiate the unit's own self-check procedure.
Either way, I now know I wasn't doing enough in the AED maintenance department at the aquatic facilities I managed, so I now share this information with you to be able to take proactive steps in the right direction.
*Given the large variety of AEDs, it is not possible to capture all makes and modules in general guidance. Please refer to brand specific literature to develop procedures and checks.
In terms of aquatic industry news worth knowing this week:
Wall that Collapsed at Air Force Base Pool and Killed Teen Had Improper Anchoring, Investigation Finds plus Parents of 14-Year-Old Killed in 'Senseless Tragedy' When Wall Collapsed at Air Force Base File Lawsuit
There is no grandfathering for something that isn't safe. If you suspect you have questionable DIY workmanship in areas of your facility (sauna wood, benches, temporary partitions, etc.) don't wait for a catastrophic incident like this one to investigate if its unsafe and should be dismantled.
YMCA portable pool a go for Williamsburg County
Portable pools should be a solution for more communities.
No age limit on lifeguarding, serving community
I truly love the spirit of this op ed, highlighting that community support is the backbone of demanding increased service levels. "While being a lifeguard has generally been thought of as a teenager’s job, staff of all ages is needed to have full use of the pool."
Scary moments for Sudbury family as preschooler goes under the water during swim lesson
This is exactly why I'm not a fan of prohibiting parents from being spectators on deck. Yes, as a former swim instructor, it can be distracting for participants, but why say no to an extra layer of protection?
Gawler Aquatic Centre backflips on parents pay-to-watch swim lessons fee
I would love to have been a fly on the wall when someone proposed this idea in the first place?!
New renderings of the City of Delta's $130-million new aquatic centre
Is it just me or is this not a particularly innovative design - or a lot of pool - for a lot of money?
The potential benefits of Great Wolf Resorts' expected arrival in Cornwall
There are more than 20 Great Wolf Lodges in the USA (and only the one in Canada in Niagara Falls, ON) and they have a significant impact on the communities where they are located, so I hope this happens for Cornwall!
Minnesota lawmakers consider bipartisan lake weed removal safety bill after deaths of 2 young men
Currently there is no requirement that employees be SCUBA certified by an independent third party, like PADI or NAUI.
Outdoor Recreation Act
After spending five days in Oslo, it was great to learn about Norway's commitment to outdoor recreation via a "fair use" law dating back to the 1970s.
Indoor splash park for dogs opening at West Edmonton Mall
Thanks to a colleague who sent me this tip - this will now be the third new canine aquatic facility I've heard about in Edmonton. For a city of only a million people, I think we can officially say this is a growing trend!
Nanton RCMP issue warning about dangerous ice conditions
Since we can't link to news on social media in Canada, please consider sharing this photo as an education campaign with your team and clients as we approach the spring thaw and very dangerous ice safety conditions!
Katie Crysdale
Lakeview Aquatic Consultants Ltd.