The UVA Office of Safety and Emergency Preparedness, UVA Intramural-Recreational Sports and the UVA Department of Emergency Medicine are pleased to announce the placement of the first outdoor automated external defibrillator (AED) on Grounds. This device, mounted in a heated and weatherproof outdoor cabinet was installed at The Park at North Grounds. It will give better access to the AED in the event of a cardiac emergency. This is the first of several outdoor installations scheduled during the 2016-17 academic year.
"Sudden cardiac arrest is a major public health issue and is the leading cause of death for American adults," says Dr. William J. Brady, Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Virginia. "Early intervention will give the victim the best chance at survival. The non-medical bystander can save a life by calling 911, starting chest compressions and using the AED," says Brady.
"We are thrilled with the partnership between our three departments leading to a safer University community," says Jill Krantz, Director of Intramural-Recreational Sports. "We provide first-class recreational opportunities for UVA and part of that is ensuring everyone is safe while having a fun time."
The University of Virginia deploys over 260 AEDs across Grounds, mounted in academic and administrative buildings, IM-Rec Sports facilities and in every UVA police vehicle. Additional locations slated for outdoor AED cabinets include: Carr's Hill Field, Lady Astor Tennis Pavilion, Lannigan Track, Klöckner Stadium and Davenport Field.
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For questions regarding the AED program or the outdoor cabinets, please contact Lucian Mirra, Emergency Management Coordinator at [email protected] or 434-982-0573.