Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program

Overview

Heart disease is a significant health problem that, according to the American Heart Association, affects nearly 8 percent of all Americans and results in nearly 350,000 deaths each year. While several electrical abnormalities can result in sudden cardiac arrest, the majority begin with ventricular fibrillation. Rapid treatment of ventricular fibrillation, through the application of a controlled electrical shock, is essential to the victim’s survival.

What is an AED?

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs): An AED is a device that attaches to a victim's chest to assess the heart's rhythm and, if needed, automatically recommends whether or not a shock be delivered to correct the heart's rhythm in an effort to revive a person that has suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. These devices are rapidly gaining recognition as a lifesaving tool and are easy to use. They deliver an electrical shock only if it is appropriate. An adult who has just gone into sudden cardiac arrest (i.e., cessation of a heartbeat, most commonly due to a heart attack) is most likely in urgent need of defibrillation and a metered electrical charge can often restore the heart to healthy function and save a life. To provide a realistic chance of survival, defibrillation must be available soon after cardiac arrest.

Current AED Locations on the RIT Campus

Building Name	Building Number	Building Location
Public Safety	Building 25	Lobby - Room 1200
Student Health	Building 23A	Triage - Room 1104
Student Life Center	Building 23	Equipment Cage - Room A240 Fitness Lab - Room A100 Running Track Dive Pool
Clark Gym	Building 3	Athletic Trainers Office - Room A263
Ritter Ice Arena	Building 2	Skate Rentals - Room A330
Gordon Field House	Building 24	Pool Area - Room A550 Fitness Center Upper - Room 1350 Fitness Center Lower - Room A350
RIT Inn and Conference Center	-	Main Lobby Reception Desk
Polisseni Center	Building 22	First Aid Office Training Room - Room 1290
Center for Bioscience	Building 75	2nd Floor - Opposite of Room 2171
Golisano College of Computing	Building 70	3rd Floor - Room 3005
Ellingson Hall	Building 50A	Room 1015
Osher Institute (Athenaeum)	East River Rd.	Main reception area
Turf Field	-	Only when field is in operation
Global Village	Building 400	Hallway Outside of Room 1280
Facilities Management Services	Building 99	Hallway adjacent to Room 1297
Gosnell Boathouse	Building 125	Fairwood Drive
Red Barn	Building 80	Office
Marketing and Communications	125 Tech Park Drive	Main Lobby Opposite the fire alarm Panel
Baker Res Hall Fitness room	Baker A-133	Near Entrance to fitness
Advantage FCU	Global Village	1405

In addition to the above list, all Public Safety vehicles are equipped with an AED.

Management Requirements

New York State has a number of requirements for groups, associations, businesses and employers who provide AED availability. For this reason to ensure compliance with NYS laws, prior to making any AED purchases, please contact RIT Environmental Health and Safety.

Training Requirements

Only those who have been trained in the use of AEDs are permitted to use them in emergency situations. All AED responders must complete a recognized AED/CPR program. (e.g. American Heart Association, American Red Cross, National Safety Council). Depending on the program you choose, refresher training is required either annually (National Safety Council, American Red Cross) or every two years (American Heart Association).