AU is considering the purchase of several defibrillators, devices used to restart hearts after heart attacks, but they seem to be dragging their feet when they shouldn't be.
Several incidents of heart attacks have occurred at AU over the past few years, but there is a nationwide trend toward installing defibrillators in places where there are lots of people. While the number of occurrences is low (only two fatalities over the last few years), the results were tragic, and the fact is that such incidents may be prevented in the future.
After a serious heart attack, patients have only a few minutes to receive treatment before it is too late. However, the nearest defibrillator to AU is at least 10 minutes away. Because of the distance from treatment, a victim's chance of surviving a heart attack on AU's campus are lower than they need to be. This dangerous situation can easily be resolved by buying and installing the life-saving devices.
Currently, AU is looking into the legalities of the medical equipment even though D.C. law states that anyone who reasonably uses a defibrillator with the intent to aid a victim cannot be held liable for any injuries the subject incurs and the provider of the device cannot be held responsible either. Other universities have the defibrillators, with Georgetown's count at six and George Washington's at more than 10. In New York state, all schools are required to have defibrillators on hand in case of emergency. Other institutions have addressed the legal issues without problems. - why not AU?
Cost is also a factor in the decision to purchase any piece of equipment, but $1,000-$3,000 does not seem too high a price to pay for what could save a human life.
Training for the device is also inexpensive, not time-consuming and not difficult. Indeed, some AU students are already trained. The devices are straightforward; many even provide audio instructions to the user when switched on. Saving a life, with the aid of these devices, is as easy as pressing a button.
Since AU's campus is compact in nature, very few devices would be required, because with even one device there is nowhere on campus that cannot be reached within the 10-minute critical window. The defibrillators can be hand-held for travel, given to Public Safety or placed at critical places in campus buildings. When someone needs help, they will be there.
The defibrillators are well worth the cost and effort of confronting legal issues for the safety of our faculty and students.
