UNC-Chapel Hill Environment, Health and Safety has updated its automated external defibrillators (AED) program, transitioning from a self-reporting system to a standardized, campus-wide initiative. By centralizing, EHS Fire Safety can increase AED availability across campus, coordinate their placement and follow an annual inspection schedule.
“Previously, we required University departments to notify us when they were purchasing and where they were installing the AEDs,” explains Adam Swift, EHS Fire Safety and emergency response manager. “Now we’re managing all aspects from installation to inspections and tracking every device in our database.”
The University received one-time funding to address gaps in AED coverage by installing new units and updating outdated ones. High-rise buildings, for instance, will now have multiple AEDs to increase availability. Since last August, EHS Fire Safety has been installing new devices on campus and will complete installations this spring.
Placement follows thoughtful guidelines, focusing on availability and visibility. “We’re putting them in centralized locations like lobbies facing courtyards and elevator lobbies,” says Swift. “This is now a standard procedure for every building on campus.” Additionally, all AEDs are now installed indoors, with the exceptions of certain athletic facilities.
Currently, EHS Fire Safety, along with the Facilities Technology Group, maintain an AED Locations Map accessible via the University’s main interactive campus map which helps users locate the nearest device in an emergency.
“For a cardiac arrest, it’s kind of the first line of defense,” Swift explains. “Having the AED can assist anybody in trying to save someone in those crucial moments until first responders can get there.”
Public interest in AEDs has grown in recent years, especially after high-profile incidents like the cardiac arrest of NFL player Damar Hamlin. “After the Hamlin incident, we had a lot more people asking about AEDs,” says Swift. “While training isn’t required to use an AED, having CPR and AED certification is highly beneficial. It gives people the confidence to act quickly in an emergency.”
By request, EHS Fire Safety offers CPR and AED certification courses through the American Red Cross for University departments. The training is a hybrid course. Employees complete online modules and then come to EHS for hands-on skills assessment. The certification is valid for two years.
