In the past week, you may have noticed automated external defibrillator (AED) cabinets being installed throughout Humber campuses and off-site locations.  The installation of about 40 cabinets with the neon green Zoll AED Plus units should be completed in the new year, at which time Humber’s new public access AED program will officially launch.  These AEDs complement the ones that are already strategically placed at locations that include the Athletic Centres, the Health Centres, and the Residences.

Humber’s new AED program is intended to ensure that AEDs are highly visible and readily accessible,providing the best chance of survival following cardiac arrest if the need arises.  We will continue to depend on EMS response (9-1-1) for medical emergencies.  However, time is essential during a sudden cardiac arrest; for every minute defibrillation is delayed, a victim’s chances of survival decrease significantly.  The AED unit will check a victim’s heart rhythm and will deliver an electric shock only if it determines that defibrillation is required to restore the heart’s normal rhythm. 

Over the past year, Health and Safety Services has worked with the Humber community, Humber’s Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee and a selected AED vendor for input in developing the AED program.  Facilities Management has played a key role in the placement and installation of the AEDs, and Public Safety will ensure that the program is well integrated into Humber’s emergency response system.  Health and Safety Services will be responsible for oversight of the AED program, which will include coordinating the inspection and maintenance of the units, ensuring medical oversight, and maintaining appropriate documentation.  

AEDs are safe and easy to use by almost anyone; however, they are most effective when used by trained individuals.  In addition to our Public Safety security guards, we will work to ensure that we have employees who are trained, targeted responders in the vicinity of each AED.  Further details of the AED program and training will be provided in the new year.

For further information, contact Humaira Pirooz at humaira.pirooz@humber.ca or Margaret Fung at margaret.fung@humber.ca.

Human Resources | Health and Safety Services
hrs.humber.ca/safety