Lt. Dan Kiley and automated external defibrillators

UTSA installs automated external defibrillators

(Dec. 23, 2004)--UTSA has taken steps to increase its emergency response capabilities by purchasing 15 automated external defibrillators (AED), which can be used by non-police personnel when responding to medical emergencies.

AEDs are used to give an electric shock to persons suffering from a heart attack. In the past, only trained medical professionals were allowed to operate manual defibrillators because of the risk of shock. Today, with the help of technology, people with no medical training can operate an AED in an emergency situation without the risk of accidental shock.

"In the event of an actual heart attack, every second is critical," said George Powers, UTSA chief of police. "The purchase and installation of these units will enhance the capabilities of our first responders."

Officers and guards can now assess a situation immediately rather than running to a patrol vehicle for an AED. Plans are in the works to have building captains and administrative staff in the immediate vicinity of an AED trained and certified.

Throughout the 1604 Campus, AEDs are stored in white metal cabinets mounted to walls. The cabinets do not lock, but have alarms that sound with flashing red lights if an AED is removed.

AEDs are installed at these UTSA locations:

• University Heights (behind the counter in the HR office)
• Facility Services (West Campus, in the middle of the long hallway by the water cooler)
• Business Service Annex (main entrance, left of door to Room 1.01.26 to the right of entrance)
• Child Care Center (main entrance, across from Room 1.110 to the right of entrance)
• John Peace Library Building (late-hour door/loading dock to the left of entrance)
• Humanities and Social Sciences Building - (late-hour door to the right of entrance)
• Arts Building (late-hour door to the right of entrance)
• Engineering Building (late-hour door to the left of entrance)
• Bioscience Building (late-hour door to the right of entrance)
• Science Building (late-hour door to the right of entrance)
• University Center (late-hour door to the left of entrance between two exterior doors)
• Old Physical Plant Building (late-hour door to the right of entrance)
• Chisholm Hall (behind resident assistant desk)
• Main Building (ground-level entrance to the right of entrance adjacent to stairs)

For more information, contact the UTSA Police Department at (210) 458-4242.

--Tina Luther