User–friendly equipment makes it easier to provide lifesaving aid for cardiac arrest with visual instructions, real-time CPR monitoring, and voice prompts.
After commissioning an institution-wide review, the University of Rochester has upgraded and expanded the number of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) cabinets across the University’s campuses to make the lifesaving equipment easier to find and to use. The highly recognizable red-and-white cabinets are located in high-traffic areas such as public buildings and residence halls, using a two-minute response time as a best practice for accessing an AED in a time of need.
All existing AED cabinets were upgraded with a Zoll AED 3 device featuring touchscreen displays with step-by-step instructions, as well as Real CPR Help technology. When properly deployed, the device will monitor the depth and speed of chest compressions and provide voice alerts such as “Push Harder.” The machine will also alert the user if a shock (defibrillation) is needed. When not in use, the equipment is monitored through an online dashboard that tracks device location, maintenance, and readiness. Additional cabinets also were installed, upping the University’s total cabinet count to more than 150 locations.
The University is now raising awareness of the availability, location, and correct way to operate life-saving CPR/AED equipment throughout the month of February.
“As American Heart Month kicks off, it’s a great time to bring attention to the upgrade and how important this program is to the entire University community,” said Mike Liberty, associate vice president of Environmental Health & Safety. “The new AED devices are easy to find and easy to use, so all of us can feel confident if ever faced with helping out during a heart emergency.”
As part of the upgrade, the University is working with first aid and safety professionals from Cintas to train small groups of frontline staff on the new equipment in early February. For the wider University community, Cintas will be hosting an AED/CPR Flatman demonstration on Thursday, February 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second floor of Wilson Commons in Hirst Lounge.
These sessions complement American Heart Association “HeartSaver” CPR AED training sessions offered to the wider campus community through the UR Medical Center and Human Resources.
Everyone can be a good bystander and help save a life by learning to locate and use life-saving equipment to assist those experiencing a cardiac emergency until professional help arrives:
- Before an emergency occurs: Prepare.
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- Familiarize yourself with AED cabinet locations on campus. View this list to find locations in areas you visit most often (e.g., classrooms, residence halls, study areas, and eateries). Keep an eye out for the red-and-white cabinet markers and make a mental note for future reference.
- Sign up for an American Heart Association “HeartSaver” CPR AED training or other life-saving interventions.
- Stop by the interactive display in Hirst Lounge, Wilson Commons, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 15 to watch a demonstration of the Zoll AED 3 device and practice on the Flatman simulator.
- During an emergency: Act.
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- Call 911, or University Public Safety at (585) 275-3333 or by picking up a Blue Light Emergency Phone
- Look for a red-and-white AED cabinet in the nearest likely location, e.g., near entryways, elevators, and restrooms in residence halls, schools, and public spaces. AED cabinets are placed in high-traffic areas throughout the University using a 2-minute response time as a best practice. If you have trouble finding a cabinet, refer to the list of AED locations.
- Follow the instructions in the kit while waiting for help to arrive.
The Office of Environmental Health & Safety worked with first aid and safety professionals at Cintas to establish University guidelines for cabinet locations based on current best practices and conducted an institution-wide review, assessment and upgrade across the University’s campuses. For questions about AED standards and locations in your area, please contact Tom Saunders, emergency preparedness manager of Environmental Health & Safety, at (585) 353-4700 or tsaunde2@safety.rochester.edu.