The first priority during any emergency is life safety. University Police serves as the primary first responders for emergencies on campus, and work to ensure the safety of the entire campus community. Only University Police are, designated by job description as, first responders for all University emergencies. All other First-aid/CPR/AED trained personnel are voluntary and take direction from University Police in the event of an emergency.
Adult CPR, First Aid, and AED training gives employees, that volunteer to serve, the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide care for injuries and sudden illnesses until University Police arrive. The purpose of this training is to help employees identify and eliminate potentially hazardous conditions in their environment, recognize emergencies, and take the appropriate actions in those first few minutes.
For required work-related training please contact your Supervisor or Environmental Health and Safety at (828) 251-6038 (e.g., training is work-related if selected by your department to perform this duty while on the job). All certifications must be provided by a nationally recognized organization and the requesting Department must provide the funds for their employees to complete any work-related training. Copies of employee certificates must be sent to the EHS Officer for recordkeeping.
For non-work related training, please contact the local chapter of the American Red Cross.
Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) Equipment & Inspections
What is an AED?
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm and can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm. AEDs are used to treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
SCA is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. When this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs.
SCA usually causes death if it’s not treated within minutes. In fact, each minute of SCA leads to a 10 percent reduction in survival. Using an AED on a person who is having SCA may save the person’s life.
Equipment Locations
Departments throughout the University have purchased a number of AEDs and placed them in strategic locations on campus.
Below is the current list of AED locations on campus. Note that not all of the listed AEDs will be accessible to the public, or may only be accessible during business hours. This includes AEDs in marked police vehicles, as well as, those in buildings that may be locked after hours.
| Building | Room/Area |
|---|---|
| Highsmith Union | 2nd Floor, Guest Services Desk |
| Justice Center Gym | 2nd Floor, Room 203 |
| Gym Court Level | |
| Kimmel Arena | Southwest Entrance to Basketball Court |
| Millar Complex | Receiving Area, Next to Room S116 |
| 2nd Floor Elevator & Door S236 | |
| Electricians Area, Room N207 & Exit Door | |
| Grounds Area, Room N116 & Restrooms | |
| Reuter Center | 1st & 2nd Floor Restrooms |
| Sherrill Center | 3rd Floor, Room 323 |
| 4th Floor, Outside the Fitness Room | |
| 4th Floor, Elevators across from Rosetta’s | |
| Student Recreation Center | Guest Services Desk |
| Track & Field House | Restrooms |
| WT Weaver | Main Clinic & Room 126 |
Equipment Inspections
Annual
An AED unit must be inspected once a year by a certified company to ensure the equipment is operational and properly maintained. Emergency Management is responsible for annual inspections of AED equipment purchased or owned by the University.
Monthly
An AED unit must be inspected once per month by department staff, where the unit is located, to ensure the equipment is in “ready-to-use” condition. This is accomplished by completing an on-line Monthly Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Inspection. The data is sent automatically to Emergency Management when you submit the Google form.
Emergency Management keeps a small inventory replacement pads and batteries for each type of AED unit on campus. Departments can purchase their own AED units under the State Contract with ZOLL. Though Emergency Management does not provide this equipment, it does provide annual equipment testing and certifying services for AEDs every October. Contact Environmental Health and Safety at 828-251-6038 if you need equipment assistance.
Training
AED training is required for any employee who must utilize an AED in an emergency. This training is generally combined with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid training for designated employees required to perform this duty while on the job. Environmental Health and Safety currently does not provide this training. Talk to your supervisor about AED training if required for your position.
Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) Equipment Manuals
Equipment manuals provide instructions on how to operate an AED. If upon inspection, you find the manual is missing for the unit, you can download a replacement copy from the links listed below.
Cardiac Science Powerheart G3 Operator’s Manual
Philips Heartstart FRX 861304 Operator’s Manual
Physio-Control Lifepak 500 Operator’s Manual
Zoll AED Plus Operator’s Guide Insert
Zoll AED Plus Administrator’s Guide
Zoll AED Plus Administrator Guide Insert for Pedi-Padz (Infant/Child)
Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) Equipment Videos
Maintaining the pads and battery in the Phillips Heartstart FRX AED