Life Safety
VCU strives to provide a safe environment for all faculty, staff, students, volunteers and visitors. As such, VCU Safety & Risk Management (SRM), VCU Police Emergency Management (VCUPD EM), VCU Recreation and Well-Being (RecWell), and VCU Rams in Recovery have collaborated to deploy several types of life saving equipment and associated training throughout the Monroe Park and Academic Medical Center Campuses.
Automated external defibrillator (AED)
An AED is an easy-to-use medical device used to help a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It analyzes the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective, regular heart rhythm. In the event of a cardiac arrest, for each minute defibrillation is delayed, the odds of survival are reduced by approximately 10% which is why having access to an AED and knowing how to use one is critical.
VCU SRM administers the university’s AED program and approves the purchase and placement of all new AEDs; regularly inspects and services devices; and removes and replaces AEDs that are out of service, under manufacturer’s recall or more than nine years old.
AED locations
AEDs and Stop the Bleed kits are co-located in publicly-accessible AED cabinets available in many large, high-traffic VCU buildings. AED cabinets are typically located in the first floor lobby and other high-visibility locations.
Use the map linked below to find AED locations on campus.
Use the PulsePoint App linked here to find AED locations in public areas outside of VCU’s campus.
AED, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training
VCU RecWell offers various levels of American Red Cross AED, first aid and CPR courses for VCU community members to learn how to properly use lifesaving devices to respond to a medical emergency. These classes also meet most requirements for workplace first aid and CPR training in non-healthcare settings.
Each course consists of four to six hours of online content and a three-hour, in-person skills session. Participants who successfully complete the course receive an American Red Cross certificate in Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED, valid for two years.
Click here for course information and to register for courses.
Training cost
SRM worked with RecWell to provide 150 American Red Cross training vouchers at no charge to VCU faculty and staff, while supplies last. RecWell offers up to two vouchers per AED location – larger groups may have to cover the cost of additional trainees.
To request a free training voucher and for more information, contact SRM Occupational Safety (occsafety@vcu.edu) and share the trainee name(s), department(s), job title(s) and primary work location(s).
Regular registration fees for RecWell CPR training are as follows:
- $75 for VCU students
- $85 for RecWell Members
- $95 for Non-RecWell members
Requesting new or relocating AEDs
VCU departments can purchase a new AED and a wall-mounted cabinet at their expense, which includes regularly-scheduled inspections and maintenance, or relocate an existing AED by completing the form linked here.
Reporting a used, damaged or missing AED
If an AED is used, damaged or missing, immediately complete the form linked here so it can be immediately serviced to ensure that it is available and in working order in the event of an emergency.
More information
For more information, refer to the AED policy linked here or contact SRM Occupational Safety (occsafety@vcu.edu).
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