Ironically, it was only a few weeks after the first automated external defibrillators (AEDs) arrived on The University of Findlay campus, that one was pressed into service.
Back in 2000, Cosiano Health Center nurse Karen Yingling and two other bystanders witnessed an elderly man’s collapse in a parking lot near the AMU. They administered CPR and used the AED to restore normal heart rhythm. Their quick action saved the life of the 78-year-old, who was transported to the hospital and made a full recovery.
There are now 24 AEDs in various locations on campus. 13 devices were updated in September 2014 and 11 additional AEDs were purchased in December 2023. AEDs are checked monthly to insure that batteries are charged and they are working properly. According to the American Heart Association, EMS treats nearly 300,000 victims of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year in the United States and less than eight percent survive. Effective bystander CPR, provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest, can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival.
To understand the effectiveness of an AED, you need to know that cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack. It occurs when electrical impulses in the heart become rapid or chaotic (fibrillation), which causes it to stop beating. Even if CPR is performed, defibrillation with an AED is required to stop the abnormal rhythm and restore it to normal.
Don’t be Intimidated!
The AED’s (usually in wall-mounted kits) are self-contained. Everything needed for defibrillation is in the case. The machines actually talk you through the process, telling you where to place pads and when to press the button.
Although the likelihood of a college student suffering cardiac arrest is small, there are thousands of people attending University events each year. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time. Many victims appear healthy with no known heart disease or other risk factors.
Blanchard Valley Hospital donated four AEDs to The University of Findlay nearly 15 years ago. Today, they are smaller and simpler to operate with no formal training needed.
The University athletic staff, security personnel and individuals at both farms are HeartSaver AED certified. AEDs are available at the following campus locations:
- All Hazards Training Center
- Alumni Memorial Union (AMU) (near the southwest entrance )
- Anatomy, Neuroscience, and Health Sciences Building (in lab)
- Bare Residence Hall* (north wall closest to Residence Life office)
- Brewer Frost (next to fire extinguisher 0004)
- BCHS (main hallway)
- Campus Safety (portable and travels with personnel)
- Center for Student Life & College of Business (between rooms 132 & 135)
- Cosiano Health Center (portable and travels with personnel)
- Croy Gymnasium (north hallway and pool deck)
- Davis (Pharmacy hallway)
- Diagnostic Building (401 W Trenton) (next to fire extinguisher 0008)
- FRC (Cardio Center, Information Desk and Weight Room)
- Equestrian Farms (one at each location)
- Lovett Residence Hall* (east wall next to Door 1)
- Mazza Museum (across from fire extinguisher near bathrooms)
- Old Main (first floor next to Business Office Window)
- Renninger
- UF Village Residence Hall*(next to Village fire extinguisher V021)
- Winebrenner (first floor next to storage doors)
*AEDs are located near Residence Life Duty Office.
**List updated as of January 9, 2024.