Health and Safety A-Z
Topic: Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
Summary:
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are portable, life-saving devices designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a medical condition in which the heart stops beating suddenly and unexpectedly. Quick access to an AED and performing CPR can greatly increase the chances for survival. Most AEDs are portable, they emit clear-voice prompts and also have simple, visual instructions. This user-friendly tool has become a common sight in public areas like recreation centres and sports arenas and now, can also be found in all buildings across Trent University.
There are 37 AEDs located across Trent University, including those carried by the Security and TUEFRT teams. Locations of AED cabinets can be found on the Trentu.ca Map, under the header of First Aid.
Trent University is the second university in Canada to install outdoor AED SaveStations as well. These SaveStations can safely be placed outside because of new cabinet technology that keeps the AEDs warm in the winter, cool in the summer and monitors the AED inside the cabinet 24/7. Similar wall-mounted AED SaveStation cabinets are also present indoors creating a unified look for all students, staff, and visitors to quickly identify.
The outdoor SaveStation cabinets are located: beside the Justin Chiu Stadium field, Champlain College lawn, Lady Eaton College lawn, and at Traill College outside of Bagnani Hall and beside the Amphitheater.
They can be used by anyone. First aid training is not essential
Save a Life in 3 Steps: Call. Push. Shock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5bEBCBOSsI
We can all save a life. Use this video to share these 3 simple words CALL PUSH SHOCK, in order to motivate and encourage bystanders to begin CPR and use an AED. Together we will increase sudden cardiac arrest survival rates.
AED Facts:
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is among the #1 causes of death in most developed countries.
- SCA is just that – sudden – there are often no warning signs and it can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time.
- The majority of people that go into SCA are in public places or at home.
- Every 11 minutes, someone will go into SCA.
- Without the public having quick access to and use of an AED & the delivery of CPR the chance of surviving sudden cardiac arrest is almost zero.
- 0-4 minutes brain damage unlikely
- 4-6 minutes brain damage begins
- 6-10 minutes brain damage most likely
- 10+ minutes brain damage irreversible
- Use of an AED and CPR is the only initial treatment for anyone in SCA.
- With an AED, the chance of surviving SCA can increase to over 75%
Additional Resources:
Educational Videos for all AED makes and modules
Last Revised: May 6, 2024