SLIPPERY ROCK SRU puts defibrillators on campus

Sudden cardiac arrest claims more than 250,000 lives annually.
SLIPPERY ROCK --In an effort to help save lives following the onset of a sudden heart attack, Slippery Rock University has made available 14 automatic external defibrillators, known as AEDs, at high-traffic locations throughout campus.
The units have also become standard equipment for campus police cruisers.
Similar to those seen on popular television medical shows and those used across the country by medical professionals, the units deliver a powerful electric shock to stop abnormal heart rhythm and allow the heart to return to a more normal beating pattern.
"Our goal is to protect the lives of our employees and students," said William Rudloff, director of campus environmental health and safety. "Having AEDs on site increases access to early defibrillation and can help save lives."
Sudden cardiac arrest reportedly claims more than 250,000 lives annually. Survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest are less than 20 percent when defibrillation is delayed 10 minutes or more.
About the units
The campus units are programmed to walk the user through the defibrillation procedure with little previous training. More than 60 university staff have already undergone a four-hour training session to familiarize themselves with the units and with cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Other training sessions will be offered throughout the year.
After being attached to a heart attack victim, the defibrillating units automatically check the patient for actual need before delivering the shock treatment.
The wall mounted units in some buildings sound an alarm when opened. Other units are held at the main desk for easy access.
Similar portable units have become popular across the United States with many cities equipping police cars and other emergency, first-responder vehicles with such units.