Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

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.