Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) Program at University of Calfornia, Berkeley
- What is an AED?
- UC Berkeley Public Access Defibrillator Program
- Program Oversight
- Locations
- Who can use an AED?
- Where can I get my own training?
- Contact information
An Automatic External Defibrillator (also known as an Automated External Defibrillator or AED) is a type of computerized medical device. When properly placed on a person’s chest, it can analyze the heart’s rhythm and apply an electrical shock if needed. It will not give a shock to a normally beating heart. The AED uses voice prompts, lights and pictures to tell the rescuer the steps to take. The State of California regulates public access to AEDs (California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 9, Chapter 1.8, Lay Rescuer Automatic External Defibrillator Regulations), and requires that policies and procedures be put in place to ensure the effectiveness and availability of AEDs.
UC Berkeley Public Access Defibrillator Program
Since 2006, there have been AEDs in UC Police vehicles, in large sports arenas and in campus recreation centers (required by law). In 2009, through a joint effort by University Health Services and Environment, Health and Safety, UC Berkeley implemented a centrally managed, comprehensive Public Access Defibrillator Program (PAD). This means placing AEDs in public places where large numbers of people gather or who are at high risk for sudden cardiac arrest.
Through a funding source targeted to help University of California, Berkeley provide a safer place to work , learn and visit, we have been able to place an additional fifty (50) defibrillators throughout the central campus and some outlying locations. With our available resources, the program has attempted to locate the AEDs as widely as possible. The mobile units in the police cars are critical in completing this coverage. There are now a total of eighty one (81) AEDs.
Program oversight
The University of California, Berkeley AED Program is jointly managed by University Health Services and Environment, Health & Safety.
Program Director: Brandon DeFrancisci, EH&S
Medical Director: Diane Liu, MD, UHS
Field Technician: Kristen McKoin, EH&S
Locations
The AEDs are typically located in lobbies of public buildings on campus, either near or attached to the Disaster Evacuation Chair cabinet.
Look for signage with the AED heart.
Click here for a map of buildings (or here for a PDF version) and here for a list of the sites along with contact information.
Who can use an AED?
The University of California, Berkeley AED Program has trained at least 2 persons per AED (“Lay Rescuers”) to meet the criteria for a public access defibrillator program. The Campus AED Program recertifies Lay Rescuers as per American Heart Association guidelines. Several campus departments have voluntarily paid for and provided CPR/AED training to many more people in their departments, thereby increasing the campus’ safety net.
AEDs are extremely easy to use. The machine “talks” the user through the process. Any person who has gone through CPR/AED training on their own can successfully use an AED. Anyone else can, at their discretion, provide voluntary assistance to victims of medical emergencies. The extent to which these individuals respond shall be appropriate to their training and experience. These responders are encouraged to contribute to emergency response only to the extent they are comfortable. The emergency medical response of these individuals may include CPR, AED use or medical first aid.
Where can I get training on my own?
Recreational Sports Facility, the American Red Cross and many community centers, to name a few, offer CPR/AED courses for individuals.
Contact Information
Questions? Please contact the University of California, Berkeley AED Program at aed@berkeley.edu
