Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are portable, life-saving devices designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a medical condition in which the heart stops beating suddenly and unexpectedly. Quick access to an AED and performing CPR can greatly increase the chances for survival.  Most AEDs are portable, they emit clear-voice prompts as well as have simple, visual instructions.

They can be used by anyone. First aid training is not essential.

AED Facts:

• Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is among the #1 causes of death in most developed countries.
• SCA is just that – sudden – there are no warning signs and it can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time.
• The majority of people that go into SCA are in public places or at home.
• Every 11 minutes, someone will go into SCA.
• Without the PUBLIC having quick access to and use of an AED & the delivery of CPR the chance of surviving sudden cardiac arrest is almost ZERO.
• When in Cardiac Arrest – every second matters, for every minute that goes by, the chance of survival drops by 10%;
  • 0-4 minutes brain damage unlikely
  • 4-6 minutes brain damage begins
  • 6-10 minutes brain damage most likely
  • 10+ minutes brain damage irreversible
• Use of an AED and CPR is the only initial treatment for anyone in SCA.
• With an AED, the chance of surviving SCA can increase to over 75%.
• Average response time within city limits for emergency response to arrive on scene can vary.  On campus Security Services and Emergency First Response Team (EFRT) is 3-5 minutes, however every minute counts.  Both Security Services and EFRT are equipped with portable AEDs.

Our AEDs are inspected monthly by our own employees, many of whom are also Joint Health and Safety Committee members. These inspections are documented within a software tracking tool system Action First Aid – Ready for Action. The caretakers of the AED units are reminded through this tracking tool when to do the monthly inspections and when items are reaching their expiry dates.