AED Inclusion in College Communities

Alexis M. Peterson
Dr. Ben Davis, Faculty Mentor

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used to restart the heart in the event that it stops beating. AED use can raise the chances of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest up to 70%. Training is not required for AED use, as the device will walk the user through its application. Despite this, their presence on college campuses is particularly lacking. With no federal or state legislation mandating the presence of AED’s, there is a significant gap in coverage for campus residence facilities. This article reviews the process of advocating for AEDs in Truman State University residence halls. With emphasis on grassroots movements, faculty and student collaboration, and interorganizational legislation, the article analyzes each factor needed to create tangible change for promoting institutional health and safety. The advocacy project was successful in securing funding and purchasing two AED machines to be added to campus residence halls with community-facing dining facilities.

Keywords: Automated External Defibrillator, AED, College Campus, Residence Hall

Topic(s):Interdisciplinary Studies Capstone

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA