Wednesday, January 11, 2023

An Important Message Regarding Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

In the wake of numerous celebrity and athlete related cardiac arrests, SLCC’s Emergency Management Department wanted to remind everyone what they should do in case they witness a medical emergency of similar degree. We first encourage everyone to become certified in First Aid, CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) use. 

Imagine a community in which every member is trained and prepared to respond to any medical emergency and how comforting it would feel to be amongst trained colleagues. Don’t let yourself be the weakest link in community safety. Secondly, we urge students, staff and faculty to take a walk around the buildings they frequent to locate AEDs, emergency exits, fire alarms and extinguishers, Evacutracs and shelters. 

 

While having an AED certification gives you familiarity and confidence, you are not legally required to be certified to use one. In fact, AEDs are made to be as user-friendly as possible. Not only do they provide audible, step-by-step instructions through a loudspeaker in English, but they also have images to assist the hearing impaired or non-English speakers. Ultimately, this means anyone physically capable of getting an AED is capable of using one. 

 

Lastly, please report any AEDs that are beeping to Michael Gipson, the Emergency Management Coordinator. A beeping AED indicates the unit requires service—usually a replacement battery for the AED unit itself or the storage cabinet. Any time unit or storage cabinet batteries are replaced, pads and equipment within them are inspected. Michael can be reached at Michael.Gipson@slcc.edu. Your education in emergency response is what could make the difference in saving the life of a friend or colleague. Stay safe, Bruins! 

 

Respectfully,

 

Michael Gipson (he/him)

Emergency Management Coordinator

Department of Public Health and Safety

Salt Lake Community College

801-957-4538

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