Title
Environment, Health and Safety Manual - Chapter 04.14: Fire Safety - Automated External Defibrillator Policy
General
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and its Department of Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) are committed to the health and safety of its students, faculty, staff and visitors. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are lifesaving pieces of equipment that may be safely acquired, installed and used by University departments to save victims of sudden cardiac arrest. An AED is used to urgently diagnose and treat ventricular fibrillation by attaching to a victim’s chest to assess the heart’s rhythm. If appropriate, the device will recommend that a shock be delivered to resume a safe rhythm for the victim’s heart. When delivered, a metered electrical charge restores the heart’s functionality and often saves the victim’s life.
AEDs are most successful when their first shock is delivered within three to four minutes of sudden cardiac arrest onset. Thus, it is important that AEDs are installed where they are most likely to be needed – and in highly visible, easily accessible locations – so that trained personnel can find and access them in a timely manner. Because of their ease of use and built-in safeguards, untrained bystanders have successfully used an AED, but they are intended for use by trained personnel. AED training offered by the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association includes recognition of cardiac arrest symptoms, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the proper use of an automated external defibrillator.
AEDs installed on campus must be safely maintained and used, and proper training and access to installed AEDs should be promoted. AEDs are being installed in every University building on campus; however, University departments and other administrative units may still choose to acquire additional AEDs. Departments that acquire an AED must designate a responsible person, whose duties are described below.
Liability and Good Samaritan Laws
North Carolina law allows for the use of an AED during an emergency for the purpose of attempting to save the life of another person who is, or who appears to be, in cardiac arrest. Accordingly, North Carolina law also expressly provides immunity from civil liability for those who obtain and maintain AEDs, and those who use such devices to attempt to save a life. Specifically, North Carolina General Statute Section 90-21.15, provides for two classes of persons or entities who are exempt from civil liability related to the procurement and maintenance of AEDs:
- The person or entity that provides the cardiopulmonary resuscitation and AED training to a person using an AED.
- The person or entity responsible for the site where the AED is located when the unit has provided for a program of training.
Thus, if a University administrative unit acquires and maintains an AED, the University is exempt from civil liability related to the use of the device to save a life. In addition, North Carolina General Statute Section 90-21.14 provides that the person who uses an AED to attempt to save or to save a life shall be immune from civil liability unless the person was grossly negligent or intentionally engaged in wrongdoing when rendering the treatment.
AED Owner Responsibilities
Departments and other administrative units who are provided or acquire an AED (i.e., AED Owners) are also responsible for maintaining the device to the standards of its manufacturer, the programmatic standards of the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross, and this Policy. AED owners must:
- Designate a person who is responsible for management of the AED (i.e., departmental responsible person).
- Ensure that AED is accessible at all times and not blocked by storage or other items.
- Conduct monthly visual inspection of AED and initial tag on box.
- Providing or arranging for training and refresher training in AED use for their staff.
- · Notify EHS of any AED installations to be added into the University database and updated on UNC maps website.
- Allow easy access to the AED by students, faculty, staff and visitors who are in the vicinity.
- Maintain on-site records, inspections, training, and other supporting documentation.
Required On-Site Records
The following records must be maintained on site:
- Guidelines for use.
- Manufacturer’s instructions.
EHS Responsibilities
In 2024 EHS purchased AEDs to distribute to every building on campus. EHS will be responsible in managing AEDs on campus. To do so, EHS will:
- Inspect and conduct annual maintenance on AEDs while inspecting fire extinguishers within the building. Information on AEDs and maintenance records will be maintained within inspection software.
- Replace batteries/pads on all AEDs when due. When an existing AED is reaching an end of life, it will be replaced by EHS Fire Safety with new to match the make and model of AEDs on rest of campus.
- An inspection tag will be placed on the box to show month and year of the inspection.
- Maintain a list of AEDs on campus as well as their locations. This list will also be provided to the University’s 911 Center. As required, EHS will also submit Public Access Defibrillators to the University’s annual AED report to the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services, and Orange County Emergency Management.
- Encourage the responsible person and the building Emergency Coordinator to promote easy access and training for staff.
- In the event of use, the AED can go with the patient to the hospital, and the device is returned to the site with consumable supplies replenished by EHS Fire Safety.
Resources and Additional Information
Contact EHS for additional guidance and information.
Contact Information
Policy Contact
Environment, Health and Safety
1120 Estes Drive
Campus Box #1650
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-1650
Phone: 919-962-5507
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