Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillators (AED)

Automated External Defibrillators (AED's) are located in all permanent buildings on campus and in the La Playa Stadium and Pershing Park tennis courts. They are identified with a red heart and white lightening through the middle, installed on the wall in a large white box. Please note you DO NOT need a key to open the AED box and use it. 

An AED is a device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. The shock can stop an irregular heart rhythm and allow a normal rhythm to resume following sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest is an abrupt loss of heart function. If it’s not treated within minutes, it quickly leads to death. A common misperception about AEDs is that they are to be used only by emergency responders. In fact, the opposite is true. Paramedics arrive at emergency scenes with their own defibrillation equipment. So, if you know where an AED is located, empower yourself to use it if you are helping someone in cardiac arrest. AEDs provide voice instructions and visual prompts to the bystander who is providing aid, including how to attach the pads to a victim’s bare chest. The device analyzes the person’s heart activity to determine when and if an electric shock should be delivered. Remember, use an AED in conjunction with chest compressions, not instead of them. Click here to see a helpful video from the University of Arizona.

When you respond to a cardiac arrest where an AED is available, remember these steps:

1. Check for responsiveness—“Shake and shout” and rub the sternum (breast bone) hard with your knuckles.

2. Call 911 and retrieve the AED, or ask someone else to.

3. Perform fast, forceful chest compressions until the AED is activated. If the AED tells you to do so, press the button to deliver a shock.

4. After the shock continue chest compressions (at a rate of 100 a minute) for two more minutes. Continue doing 200 chest compressions followed by the AED assessment until, the patient is revived or medical assistance arrives.

 

CPR/AED certification trainings are offered by the college for SBCC EMPLOYEES ONLY

 Email emergencyservices@sbcc.edu to sign up or for future training inquiries