Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program
What is an AED unit?
An AED unit is a portable device that analyzes the heart's rhythm and,
if necessary, allows a rescuer to deliver an electric shock to a victim
of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). This shock, called defibrillation, may
halt the rapid and chaotic heart activity of SCA, and help the heart
to reestablish an effective rhythm.
About the size of a laptop computer an AED consists of a main unit and
detachable electrodes that the rescuer applies to the victim's body.
Once applied, the AED unit guides rescuers through actions using audio
and/or visual prompts.
Why are AED units important?
According to the American Heart Association, every year about 220,000
people suffer cardiac arrest and only about 5% of them survive. Cardiac
arrest is a condition in which abnormal heart rhythms cause the heart's
electrical impulses to suddenly become chaotic. When this happens, the
heart stops abruptly, and the victim collapses and quickly loses consciousness.
Death usually follows unless a normal heart rhythm is restored within
a few minutes. Defibrillation is the only known treatment to restore
the normal rhythm. For every minute defibrillation is delayed, the victim's
chances of survival go down 7-10%
Where are the AED units located on the Aurora Campus?
There are 6 AED units on the Aurora Campus, and are located as follows:
- Eckhart Hall Lower Level:
- wall-mounted in space between
central stairwell and elevator
- Jenks Fitness Center:
- wall-mounted on west wall of Fitness
Center
- Alumni Hall Lobby:
- wall-mounted outside of the gym
- College of Education Building
(1877 W. Downer Place):
- wall-mounted inside 1st floor University
Offices
- Campus Safety Department & Athletic Training Department
- Each have a portable AED unit
(The 3 wall-mounted units are housed
in an alarmed cabinet. In the event that an AED is removed from the
cabinet an alarm will sound.)
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) & AED Training
In the State of Illinois to be recognized as a trained AED user an individual
must complete a course of instruction in accordance with the standards
of a nationally recognized organization such as the American Red Cross
or the American Heart Association. Course instruction must also include
complete training in CPR according to nationally recognized guidelines.
Recognition of training is valid for a time period set by the American
Red Cross and/or the American Heart Association. To renew recognition
as a trained AED user, you must present proof of satisfactory completion
of an American Red Cross or American Heart Association renewal course.
The following is a list of resource where CPR/AED training can be obtained:
On-Campus Resources (Faculty & Staff only)
Two training sessions in Adult CPR/AED will be offered each school year.
One session will be held in August and the other in May. Check with
the Wellness Center and/or Human Resource Department for specific dates,
times and cost for the training sessions. Space for each training session
is limited. Employees mandated to hold annual CPR/AED certification
will be considered first.
Off-Campus Resources
If you would like to become CPR/AED certified and are not able to attend
an on-campus training sessions please review the list of off-campus
resources. All of the following provide CPR/AED training classes throughout
the year at a variety of training locations.
- American Red Cross (ARC)
For a list of local CPR/AED training classes contact the ARC by
phone at 1-800-337-2338 or visit their Web
site. For web site users, once you have entered the site, click
on the “Get
Educated” link in the upper left corner and then scroll down
the page to “CPR/AED” for specific information on training
classes.
- American Heart Association (AHA)
For a list of local CPR/AED training classes contact the AHA by
phone at 877-AHA-4CPR (877-242-4277) or visit their Web
site and follow the on screen instructions to locate a training class.
- Waubonsee Community College
For a list of certification classes contact Waubonsee Community
College by phone at (630) 466-7900 or visit their Web
site and click on “non-credit schedules”, and then “non-credit
classes”, and then under the “Allied Health” drop
down box click on either “American Red Cross Certification” or “American
Heart Association”.
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