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).