KU adds cardiac resuscitation devices throughout campus

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas has launched a project that will add 68 automated external defibrillators (AED) to campus. AEDs have become standard for effective cardiac resuscitation. The devices save lives.

Although individuals with CPR training, which includes the use of AEDs, have a better understanding of the effective use of chest compressions and AED use, a person without CPR training also can successfully use an AED. These modern units, once applied to the chest wall of a nonresponsive patient, provide verbal instructions on when and how to use the AED.

Dr. Douglas Dechairo, director and chief of staff of Watkins Health Services, was concerned that most buildings on the KU campus did not have AEDs. He has led the movement to bring more AEDs to the Lawrence campus.

A collaborative team from Watkins Health Services, Design & Construction Management, Facilities Services, Public Safety, Student Affairs and Student Housing convened to identify the 68 buildings, including all Student Housing buildings, that will receive an AED. Buildings where children often are present, such as Hilltop Child Development Center and the campus museums, will be equipped with Pediatric Pads as well.

Funding for this project was provided by Watkins Health Services Endowment funds, the installation will be performed by Facilities Services, and Public Safety has assisted with the identification of specific locations in buildings for the AEDs to be installed or stored. Watkins Health Services will offer CPR training to interested KU personnel. The affordable fee for CPR training can be paid by the individual or by a department sponsoring its employees to receive this valuable training.

One always hopes that these units will never need to be utilized, but not having them available should a cardiac event occur could be devastating. Placing AEDs in university buildings will make KU a safer campus.

Team members were Jennifer Wamelink, associate vice provost, Student Affairs; Jim Modig, director, Design & Construction Management; Vince Avila, director, Facilities Services; Doug Carter, associate director, Student Housing; James Anguiano, deputy chief, Office of Public Safety; and Andrew Foster, emergency management coordinator, Office of Public Safety.

Assistance in the purchase of the AEDs as well as donating additional AEDs was provided by Greg Schmidt, McKesson Medical Surgical, and Anthony Verdeja, Philips Healthcare.  

Top photo: Andrew Foster, emergency management coordinator, Office of Public Safety; Jim Modig, director, Design & Construction Management; Tammara Durham, vice provost, Student Affairs; Greg Schmidt, account manager, McKesson Medical-Surgical; Dr. Doug Dechairo, director and chief of staff, Watkins Health Services; Vince Avila, director, Facilities Services; Jennifer Wamelink, associate vice provost, Student Affairs, and James Anguiano, deputy chief, Office of Public Safety.