Defibrillators Deployed at SDSU University Police Vehicles Carry Life-Saving Technology; Public Access Also Planned
SAN DIEGO, Monday, Dec. 10, 2001 - San Diego State University has enhanced its ability to respond to medical emergencies on campus by equipping its police cruisers with automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
"When we receive a report of cardiac arrest at SDSU, our goal is to have a trained University Police officer or staff member on scene with a defibrillator within two minutes of dispatch," said University Police Lt. Eddie Gilbert. "The quick response time could mean the difference between life and death."
AEDs help victims of sudden cardiac arrest by delivering an electric shock designed to restore a regular heart rhythm. CPR can buy some time for successful defibrillation, but the American Heart Association says victims of sudden cardiac arrest usually die if a normal heart rhythm isn't restored within five to seven minutes.
SDSU has equipped all five of its police cruisers with AEDs. The university's departments of Public Safety, Business & Financial Affairs, and Environmental Health and Safety combined their resources to purchase the five AEDs, which cost about $2,900 each.
All of SDSU's uniformed police officers will be trained to use the AEDs.
"The devices are very safe and easy to use," said Micki Binnall, who coordinates training for the university's AED program. "Early defibrillation greatly increases a person's chances of survival."
The devices are so easy to use that the university is planning to have AEDs available for public access at a number of campus locations. The first will be at Physical Plant, the university's mechanical and maintenance department. Physical Plant has purchased an AED and several employees are trained to use it. Potential locations for additional AEDs include Cox Arena, Love Library and residence halls.
"SDSU is committed to having the best emergency resources available to the campus community," Gilbert said. "We want our students, faculty, staff and visitors to know we're working to be as prepared as possible."
SDSU is deploying the AEDs as part of the Public Access Defibrillation Program coordinated by the City of San Diego.
San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, SDSU has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 78 areas, master's degrees in 61 areas and doctorates in 13. SDSU's more than 33,000 students participate in academic curricula distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future.
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Editor's Note: There will be a defibrillator training session at SDSU for several University Police officers at noon, Tuesday, Dec. 11 at SDSU's Public Safety Office. The session is open to the media. For directions or more information call (619) 594-1119.
