KUMC Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program

KUMC  is inaugurating  an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) program with the installation of seventy (70) AED units at various locations throughout the campus, and in KUMC Police vehicles. This program is part of the overall effort to make KUMC a safer place to learn and work. The intent is to provide a readily available tool to trained Volunteer Rescuers in a medical situation involving sudden cardiac arrest and thus strengthen the chain of survival.

An AED is a specialized medical device designed and used to recognize and treat certain lethal heart rhythms, in conjunction with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during a cardiac arrest situation. AEDs deliver an electrical shock to persons in ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. The AED’s built-in computer evaluates the patient's heart rhythm, recommends whether defibrillation is needed and then can be used to administer a shock to assist in normalizing the heart rhythm.  AEDs provide auditory and visual prompts to assist Volunteer Rescuers in treating a cardiac arrest. According to a study by the National Center for Early Defibrillation, survival rates doubled in public locations with AEDs, as compared to those without them.  Heart disease is the leading cause of death in this country.  Having access to, and knowing how to use, an AED may help save a life.

A Volunteer Rescuer must know how to recognize the signs of a sudden cardiac arrest, when to activate the EMS system, how to do CPR, and how to use an AED. It is important for Volunteer Rescuers to receive formal training on the specific AED model they will use so that they become familiar with the device and are able to successfully operate it in an emergency. Training also teaches the Volunteer Rescuer how to avoid potentially hazardous situations.  Use of an AED will not replace the care provided by emergency medical services (EMS) providers, but is meant to provide a vital link in the chain of survival during the first critical minutes it takes for advanced life support providers to arrive.

Good Samaritan Legal Protection

Many states, including Kansas, have “Good Samaritan” laws which protect trained responders using AEDs provided certain conditions are met. The Kansas AED-specific Good Samaritan state statute is as follows:

K.S.A. 65-6149a:

1. An automated external defibrillator may be used by any qualified person.
2. …"qualified person" means a person who: (1) Has completed a course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation or a basic first aid course of training that includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation training; and (2) has completed a course of training in the use of automated external defibrillators; and (3) has demonstrated proficiency in the use of an automated external defibrillator.
3. 1) Any qualified person who gratuitously and in good faith renders emergency care or treatment by the use of or provision of an automated external defibrillator shall not be held liable for any civil damages as a result of such care or treatment or as a result of any act or failure to act in providing or arranging further medical treatment where the person acts as an ordinary reasonably prudent person would have acted under the same or similar circumstances.

Volunteers and Training

Staff and students are encouraged to become Volunteer Rescuers. This requires current certification in CPR with AED for Adults and Children and CPR for Infants. Training for potential  volunteers and those who need recertification will be held periodically.  All University  faculty, staff, and students will receive an announcement via broadcast e-mail with the opportunity to sign up when that  training becomes available.  This CPR / AED training  will be provided during normal working hours for employees. Special classes will be arranged for student volunteers that do not conflict with scheduled classes.

While we encourage students to become Volunteer Rescuers, they should understand that the Heartsaver course provided in this program will not satisfy their school's requirement for Basic Life Support (Health Care Provider CPR). The schools require the professional level CPR training. This program is offering the Heartsaver (lay person) level training. Students may attend this course if desired as an initial or refresher course but should understand that they will need a different level course to meet school requirements.

Volunteer Rescuer Training

KUMC will sponsor American Heart Association Heartsaver course for staff/students who volunteer to participate in the AED program. This training will consist of two levels:

• Familiarization with the Zoll AED unit for those who are currently CPR/AED certified (30 minutes).
• AED/CPR training for first-time volunteers with no CPR/ AED certification (four hours).

In order to volunteer for CPR/AED volunteer rescuer training, please complete the appropriate form:

CURRENTLY CERTIFIED in CPR with AED for Adults and Children and CPR in Infants.

NOT CERTIFIED, willing to take training.

Zoll AED Plus

KUMC uses the Zoll AED Plus unit. This model provides clear visual and verbal instruction for CPR and AED application, and informs the user when to shock or not shock the victim. It provides complete CPR coaching through the entire revival process. It instructs the user where to compress the chest of the victim, when to compress and how hard to compress.

ZOLL AED PLUS