PRINT DISCLAIMER: Official version of this document is accessible in the online policy library at https://policyoffice.ku.edu/. Printed copies may not reflect the most recent updates.
DOCUMENT TYPE:
Procedure
PURPOSE:
To establish consistent procedures for the maintenance and management of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) devices located on University of Kansas property.
APPLIES TO:
All faculty, staff, students, and campus visitors.
CAMPUS:
Lawrence, Edwards
DEFINITIONS:
Automated External Defibrillator (AED): A portable medical device intended for use by non-medical individuals for the emergency treatment of cardiac arrest. The device checks the heart rhythm and analyzes the need for a defibrillating shock. Upon determining that a defibrillation shock is warranted, the unit will automatically charge and deliver an electric shock to the individual.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): An emergency medical procedure for a victim in cardiac or respiratory arrest. CPR involves physical interventions to create artificial circulation through rhythmic pressing on the patient's chest to manually pump blood through the heart, called chest compressions.
Emergency Medical Response System: Call 911
Sudden Cardiac Arrest: The abrupt cessation of normal circulation of the blood due to failure of the heart to contract effectively during systole.
University Property: Buildings the University of Kansas owns, leases, or otherwise occupies through a written agreement to house ongoing University of Kansas operations.
PROCEDURE STATEMENT:
KU recognizes the potential positive impact of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) availability on survival rates. Thus, KU strives to make AEDs available throughout the KU Lawrence and Edwards campuses through the AED program.
AED Program Responsibility
The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is the department with primary responsibility for the AED Program.
a. OEM ensures AEDs within the University meet all applicable AED standards and procedures set forth by state and local law.
b. OEM maintains all AED records to include AED make, model, and serial number for active AEDs, managed by OEM in KU’s Facility management tool, Maximo system.
c. OEM is not responsible for the oversight and maintenance of any AED that is not part of the University’s official AED Program. No department or unit is authorized to purchase, install, or maintain an AED. Unauthorized AEDs may be removed at the discretion of OEM.
d. Requests for additional AEDs must be submitted to emergencymgt@ku.edu for evaluation to determine the need for additional AED(s).
e. OEM works with campus partners to recommend and plan for new additions of AEDs in renovated spaces and new campus buildings.
AED inspection and documentation
a. OEM and/or designees (identified below) are responsible for a monthly AED performance check.
b. Designees’ monthly responsibilities:
- University of Kansas Police Department (KUPD) Security checks Lawrence AEDs based off a list provided by OEM
- KUPD Security at the KU Edwards Campus (KUEC) checks AEDs assigned to the KU Edwards Campus
- KU Athletics performs checks of KU Athletic team and fixed site AEDs at KU Athletic controlled facilities
- Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) personnel check mobile AED assigned to ROTC.
- Watkins Health Services checks AEDs assigned to the Watkins Health Center
- KU Recreation Services checks AEDs housed at the Ambler Recreation Center, and AEDs assigned to KU Recreation Services locations away from the Ambler Recreation Center.
- Nelson Environmental Study Area (NESA) staff check the AED assigned to the Nelson Scientific Research Study Area
All designees must send OEM the monthly completed AED performance check via email to emergencymgt@ku.edu by the last day of each month.
c. OEM enters the necessary data from the monthly AED checks into the Maximo system.
d. If maintenance problems are detected, OEM supplies a spare working AED to temporarily replace the unit needing repair as availability allows. OEM contacts the AED manufacturer to coordinate troubleshooting and/or repair of the unit.
e. OEM maintains a stock of AED supplies that include pads, batteries, and other miscellaneous supplies.
Placement and Maintenance of AEDs
a. Inventories of the AEDs and their locations are made available to the University Police Department, the local emergency medical services, and the campus community at large.
b. AEDs are typically placed in protected cabinets with signage clearly labeling AEDs. A select number of AEDs are mobile.
Use of the AED & Medical Response Documentation
a. AEDs are publicly accessible across the campus community. Publicly accessible AEDs aim to improve the survival rate from sudden cardiac arrest by ensuring the equipment is readily available and accessible for bystanders in public places to be utilized in conjunction with CPR. Those who are not AED trained can still assist in key roles like getting the AED, contacting and coordinating emergency medical response, and assisting others as needed during an incident.
b. Call 911 immediately upon the discovery of an emergency situation in which the use of an AED is anticipated.
c. If an AED is used on campus, the use should be reported to OEM via email (emergencymgt@ku.edu) within 24 hours.
Training
While it is not mandatory, OEM encourages individuals to obtain training on how to administer AEDs. OEM does not maintain a training program, but there are classes available locally through organizations like the American Red Cross, or through businesses that teach American Heart Association Standard courses.
EXCLUSIONS OR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:
This procedure is not intended to cover situations in which the University employs or uses personnel with specific education, certification, and/or licensure to deliver emergency care. Personnel such as EMTs, paramedics, registered nurses, other health care professionals (including certified athletic trainers) may have an AED authorized to use by their specific training or medical protocols and may have other reporting requirements mandated by regulations or statutes.
CONTACT:
Office of Emergency Management
emergencymgt@ku.edu
RESPONSIBLE UNIT:
Campus Operations
APPROVED BY:
Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice Chancellor
APPROVAL DATE:
2026-02-09
EFFECTIVE DATE:
2026-02-09
REVIEW CYCLE:
1 year
BACKGROUND:
Each year in the United States, approximately 10,000 sudden cardiac arrests occur in the workplace environment. These government statistics also reveal that waiting for the arrival of emergency medical personnel results in a 5-7% survival rate, while immediate defibrillation (within 3-5 minutes) can increase survival rates significantly.
RELATED STATUTES, REGULATIONS, AND/OR POLICIES:
KSA for AEDs: KSA 65-6149a
KSA for Good Samaritan: KSA 65-2891b
CHANGE HISTORY:
02/09/2026: New procedure published in Policy Library.
TITLE:
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Procedure