AED Program
Sudden Cardiac Arrest strikes over 300,000 people in the United States each year. These attacks can happen to anyone at any time with virtually no notice or immediately after the onset of symptoms. The survival rate for these attacks outside of a medical facility is between 1% and 5%. Studies have shown that with immediate defibrillation up to 60% survival rate one year after sudden cardiac arrest. Outside of a medical facility this can be accomplished by using an Automatic External Defibrillation (AED) unit in conjunction with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
An AED is a medical device that analyzes the heart rhythm of a victim of sudden cardiac arrest and delivers an electric shock to restore the heart rhythm to normal.
The University Fire Marshal’s Office acts as the administrator for the University of Maryland Public Access AED program. Administration of the program includes:
- Approving installation of AEDs at selected locations throughout the campus.
- Serving as the point of contact for Site Coordinators and Authorized Users.
- Coordinating enrollment and training of University employees as authorized users.
- Maintenance of training standards and authorized individual status and management of training records.
AEDs on campus must be registered and maintained in accordance with the Maryland Public Access Automated External Defibrillator Program. UMD has standardized devices compatible with the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department’s AED Units: The Physio-Control Lifepak CR 2 and the Physio-Control Lifepak 1000.
LIFEPAK 1000 Defibrillator
LIFEPAK 2 Defibrillator
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of medical oversight is there for University of Maryland Public Access AED Program?
The AED Program has a Medical Director who is responsible for the review and approval of the training program as well as the protocols of AED use and the certification process. The Medical Director reviews every event in which an AED is used and is available to conduct post-incident sessions for University employees involved in AED use. AED units at the University of Maryland are used under the direction of Health Center Director.
Who coordinates the AED Program?
The program coordinator for the AED Program is Assistant Fire Marshal (AFM) Matthew Hicks. AFM Hicks serves as the AED program point of contact for the University of Maryland and is available in person, by phone or e-mail to answer any questions from individuals interested in the program. AFM Hicks can be reached at (301) 405-4193 or at firemarshal@umd.edu.
How can I be trained in the use of an AED?
CPR and AED classes are offered by a variety of groups on campus. Recreation and Wellness (RecWell) offers regular sessions. Registration information is on their website under Safety & Other Classes. If you have a group of 10 or more, a training session can be arranged with the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI) by contacting Maxim Saunders at (301) 226-2790. The University of Maryland Fire Marshal’s Office offers training on a monthly basis. For information on available sessions, contact firemarshal@umd.edu or go to the Training section of the ESSR website.
How can I get an AED in my building?
If you are interested in having an AED unit installed in your building, please contact AFM Hicks for more information and a price quote. Each department is responsible for the purchase, maintenance and training costs associated with the AED unit.
How much does an AED unit cost?
The cost for an AED unit is approximately $1,600 to $2,300.00 dependent on the model. Discounts can apply when more than one unit is purchased.
Are there any on-going costs to support the AED once I purchase one?
There are two types of on-going costs to support your AED unit, equipment and training.
Equipment:
The batteries and the pads for the LIFEPAK CR Plus AED unit have an approximate 2 year shelf life and will need to be replaced when they expire. Also, if the LIFEPAK CR Plus AED unit is used you will need to replace the unit’s battery and pads before it can be put back into service. The average cost of a replacement battery and two pads for the LIFEPAK CR Plus is $125.00. The batteries and the pads for the LIFEPAK 1000 AED unit have an approximate 5 year shelf life and will need to be replaced when they expire. Also, if the LIFEPAK 1000 AED unit is used you will need to replace the unit’s pads before it can be put back into service. The average cost of a replacement battery for the LIFEPAK 1000 is $360.00 and a replacement pad is $45.00.
Training:
Training sessions in CPR/AED are required to be conducted every other year. The average cost of CPR/AED training is $80.00 - $130.00 dependent on course taken.