Elon University has installed 13 new Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) units at locations across campus, making the potentially life-saving devices more accessible in case of emergency. The new units bring the total number of AEDs on the Elon campus to 15. Details...
AED units can restore normal heart rhythm in sudden cardiac arrest victims. The unit analyzes the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, allows a rescuer to deliver an electric shock to the victim. This shock, called defibrillation, may halt the rapid and chaotic activity association with sudden cardiac arrest and help the heart restore an effective rhythm. Defibrillation is the only known treatment to restore normal heart rhythm.
According to the American Heart Association, about 220,000 people suffer sudden cardiac arrest each year. Cardiac arrest is triggered by abnormal heart rhythms that cause the heart’s electrical impulses to become erratic. The heart stops abruptly and the victim collapses and loses consciousness. Death follows unless a normal heart rhythm can be restored within a few minutes. For every minute defibrillation is delayed, the victim’s changes of survival decrease 7-10 percent.
Only certified AED users should attempt to use the AED units. Elon will offer training sessions for designated personnel, staff and students to earn certification as AED users on Feb. 14, Feb. 28 and March 9. Approximately 40 faculty, staff and students are certified AED users and the university expects more than 100 certified users will be trained in the next month.
The athletics department will maintain two portable AED units and Campus Safety and Police will have a single portable unit. Wall-mounted units have been installed in 12 locations:
• R.N. Ellington Health and Counseling Center
• Physical Plant, 803 W. Haggard Ave.
• Moseley Center
• Koury Fieldhouse
• McEwen Communications building
• Whitley Auditorium
• Johnston Hall
• Koury Business Center
• Center for the Arts
• McMichael Science building
• Koury Center/Alumni Gym
• Elon University School of Law, downtown Greensboro