Section 1000: Campus Policy

Effective: August 31, 2023
Revised:
Last Review: August, 2023
Next Review: August 2025
Responsible Party: Dean of Students Office

Policy Statement

MSU-Northern understands rapid utilization of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) after cardiac arrest greatly improves the chance of a victim’s survival.  This policy outlines responsibility, maintenance, and management of AEDs across campus and provides procedures for use of an AED when responding to a sudden cardiac arrest emergency on campus.

AED Purpose & Definition 

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used to treat victims who experience sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). It is only to be applied to victims who are unconscious and not breathing normally.  The AED will analyze the subject’s heart rhythm and advise the operator if a shockable heart rhythm is detected. If a shockable heart rhythm is detected, the AED will charge to the appropriate energy level and advise the operator to deliver a shock. 

It is important to understand that AEDs employed on campus will only provide an electrical shock if one is actually needed and, if so, only at the appropriate level.  Follow instructions for appropriate deployment. 

AED Program Coordinator

The Director of Student Health Services will provide oversight for the management of the AED program and serve as the AED Program Coordinator, working collaboratively with Facilities Services and building supervisors across campus to ensure that AEDs are located in all appropriate facilities, easily accessible, and replaced or repaired as needed.  Additionally, the AED Program Coordinator will:

  • Register ALL AEDs in the Public Access Defibrillation Program, found online at https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/EMSTS/EMS/CommunityAED; 
  • Following AED manufacturer recommendations for maintenance and testing;
  • Check for AED manufacturer updates, recalls, etc.;
  • Replace pads and batteries prior to expiration, or as needed;
  • Replace used pads as needed to ensure unit is always in a “ready” mode;
  • Ensure each AED is registered with the EMS agency, and information is updated as needed;
  • Complete an electronic incident report each time an AED is used on a person – even if no shock is administered -which can be found and submitted at https://mtaed.com

AED Locations

AEDs are currently located in each of the following areas on-campus:

  • Cowan Hall-Theater elevator-1st floor
  • Cowan Hall-main hall 2nd floor
  • Hagener Science Center
  • Vande-Bogart Library
  • Brockmann Center
  • Student Union Building
  • Applied Technology Center
  • Diesel Technology Center
  • Morgan Hall
  • Mackenzie Hall
  • Armory Gymnasium

Training & Use of an AED

All employees are to be notified of the locations of each AED annually.  In-service training is to be offered annually to all employees during orientation prior to the start of each fall academic term. Additional trainings may be offered throughout an academic year at the discretion of the AED Program Coordinator or by request from any office or staff on campus.  To discuss training options or to request a training, simply contact the Student Health Services office at (406) 265-3599.

Reference cards that provide (a) AED Use Procedures and (b) appropriate steps to follow after the use of an AED will be kept posted next to or inside the cabinet in which AED is stored.