EHS 01-017: Automated External Defibrillators

Automated External Defibrillators (AED) 

Effective Date: 11/25/2013 - Review Date: 08/11/2026

Each year in the United States there are about 10,000 sudden cardiac arrests at work. These government statistics also reveal that waiting for the arrival of emergency medical personnel results in a 5-7% survival rate, while immediate defibrillation (within 3-5 minutes) can increase survival rates significantly. 

The University of Pittsburgh Police Department has equipped each of its patrol cars with an AED. Each University Police Officer has been trained in CPR and the use of the AED. Once an emergency call is placed on campus, a University Police Officer will arrive at the scene within minutes. 

In the event that you identify an individual on Campus who appears in need of emergency medical attention, contact the University Police at 412-624-2121. In addition to dispatching a University Police Officer, the University Police will contact City of Pittsburgh Emergency Medical Services. 

Even though access to AEDs across the Pittsburgh Campus is adequate via the University Police, there are certain buildings on campus, which are equipped with AED’s. These are facilities where large numbers of individuals may be assembled, or high-rise buildings where response time is hindered by elevator access. 

As public awareness of the AED increases, your department or building may receive requests for AED access. Please inform requesting parties of this information. 

The Department of Environmental Health and Safety is available to answer questions regarding AEDs. Any University of Pittsburgh department or school considering procurement of an AED is strongly encouraged to contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (412-624-9505). 

The following guidelines must be carefully reviewed prior to making an independent decision regarding procurement of an AED for your building, department or school. These guidelines are based upon requirements defined in PA Title 42, Section 8331.2 "Good Samaritan Civil Immunity for Use of Automated External Defibrillators" and AED manufacturer recommendations. Any University of Pittsburgh department or school considering procurement of an AED is strongly encouraged to contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (412-624-9505). EH&S will provide direction on AED procurement and assist in maintaining the AED as described below:

1. If an AED is placed in a building by a school or department, the school or department should designate a volunteer emergency response team with a minimum of five building occupants. 

2. Any employee expected to use an AED as part of their employment, such as Pitt Police Officers and Athletic Department trainers must be trained in CPR and the use of an AED consistent with either Red Cross or American Heart Association guidelines.

3. It shall be the responsibility of the building's emergency response team or their designee to check the AED for integrity each day the building is open for business. This involves verification that the AED is present and fully charged for service.

4. If an AED is placed in a building by a school or department, it is the responsibility of the school or department to notify all building occupants as to the location of the AED. Building occupants must also be informed that in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest, they should contact the University Police at 412-624-2121 to request emergency medical services BEFORE administering assistance with the AED.

5. If an AED is placed in a building by a school or department, the presence of the AED should be incorporated into any existing emergency response plan for the building. The plan should identify the AED location, the building's emergency response team and the protocol on emergency services notification. The plan should be reviewed annually and revised accordingly by the department or school providing the AED.

6. All AED's should be placed in areas readily accessible to the public. All AED locations shall be conspicuously identified.

7. All AED’s shall be equipped with adult electrodes, which must be replaced prior to expiration. If a significant number of young children regularly utilize a facility, pediatric pads should be considered.

8. All AED's should be stored in cases with transparent front panels. This permits easy inspection of the units. It is also recommended that the case be equipped with a local audible alarm that signals when the equipment is accessed. Procurement, installation and maintenance of the AED, electrodes, signage and storage case shall be the responsibility of the department.

9. All AED's at the University of Pittsburgh must be registered with the Department of Environmental Health and Safety, so that an inventory of AED's on campus can be maintained and compliance with regulatory and training requirements can be assured. EH&S will perform annual integrity checks of AED's in campus buildings and audits of response team training.

10. A prescription from a credentialed physician is required to purchase an AED. EH&S can assist with the obtaining the necessary prescription.

11. The University pricing for AED’s is significantly less than current market prices and they are available through the Panther Buy program. The process for purchasing an AED’s and AED accessories in the PantherBuy system is quick and easy. Fisher Scientific has created a “Hot List” of all AED Program approved AED’s and accessories. The PantherBuy website has all the details. http://www.pantherbuy.pitt.edu/ehs.php 

12. All AED's must be tested and maintained according to the manufacturer's guidelines. For equipment manufactured by Cardiac Sciences and ZOLL, EH&S will provide and document the annual integrity check, as indicated above. For equipment other than Cardiac Sciences and ZOLL, all testing and maintenance must be documented and shall be the responsibility of the department or school providing the AED.

AEDs are located in the following areas on campus: