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Safety committee or Emergency Response team Fire or Police Chief
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Emergency Medical Services: Because any AED program you implement will require coordination with the existing Emergency Medical System in your community, having the EMS Coordinator, paramedics, or EMTs on your committee is important.
Healthcare System
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Healthcare practitioners: Not only can doctors and nurses provide expert advice on developing and implementing an AED program but the eventual involvement of a physician is required, if only to write the prescription required by the FDA to purchase an AED. For advice on obtaining medical direction for your AED program, click here.
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American Red Cross/American Heart Association. Because AED and CPR training is an essential part of any AED program, and is often mandated by state law, it is a good idea to include on the committee someone from the local chapter of one of the major CPR training groups (e.g., American Heart Association, American Red Cross)
Community
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Business leaders (may be crucial for fundraising.
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Civic leaders/community activists (Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions, Elks) (important for fundraising; community support).
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Senior citizen groups (for a CAD)
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Local media personalities and celebrities (e.g., television or newspapers)
Limited Time Commitment
A committee to determine whether and how to implement an AED program does not need to meet forever. Its work can usually be accomplished in a few months, after which it may only need to meet on a quarterly (or annual) basis.
