Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Ernie Huff
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. As more people become at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, the probability of a cardiac arrest increases. The use of AEDs has been critical to surviving a sudden and unexpected cardiac arrest. The University Safety Policy SY22 - Automated External Defibrillators (AED) - was revised in 2009 to provide guidelines for the purchase, placement and maintaintenance of AEDs in University facilities and vehicles.
Penn State Safety Policy SY22 requires any Penn State work unit planning to purchase, install and maintain an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to prepare a "Work Unit Plan to Acquire and Install an AED." This Work Plan must be submitted to Environmental Health and Safety for review and approval prior to the purchase or installation of the AED.
This "Work Plan" must address use, training, placement and maintenance of AEDs. EHS will review the submitted Work Plan, providing assistance in Work Plan preparation as needed, provide written approval to the requesting work unit to obtain an AED, and will assess the effectiveness of the overall AED program.
Program Applicability
The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program applies to all Penn State facilities and vehicles where AEDs are purchased, installed, maintained, or used. Any University work unit that plans to acquire or install an AED must follow Penn State Safety Policy SY22 – Automated External Defibrillators (AED) and coordinate with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS). The program is designed to support a campus‑wide emergency response system and improve outcomes for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
Program Requirements
Penn State’s AED Program establishes requirements for the purchase, placement, installation, maintenance, training, and oversight of AEDs. Work units must submit a Work Unit Plan to Acquire and Install an AED to EHS for review and approval before purchasing or installing an AED. Once installed, AEDs must be maintained, inspected, and documented in accordance with Policy SY22. The program also requires coordination with EHS for training, incident notification, recordkeeping, and periodic program review to ensure AEDs remain accessible, functional, and ready for emergency use
Documents and Forms
Program:
- Automated External Defibrillator AED Program
Procedure:
- AED Sign Guidance for Non-University Park Locations
- AED Work Unit Coordinator Responsibilities
- AEDs at Non-University Park Locations
- Building Locations of AEDs at University Park
- CPR AED Training Options
- CPR AED Training Reimbursement Program FY20192020
- Designated AED Coordinators
Forms:
- AED Monthly Inspection Form with Instructions
- AED Work Unit Training Roster
- Application to Acquire and Install and AED
Additional Resources
N/A