New defibrillator, CPR training available

August 13, 2019

University Relations

UAF continues to add automatic external defibrillators, or AEDs, to strategic locations throughout UAF. The newest units are now outside the Hess Recreation Center and in Signers' Hall. There are 47 AEDs located on the Troth Yeddha campus, and 64 across all UAF campuses and sites. There are also AEDs in every UAF police vehicle, ambulance and fire unit. Quick access to an AED, along with early, hands-only bystander CPR, has been shown to improve cardiac arrest survival.

How do you know where the nearest AED is during an emergency? The best way is to download the PulsePoint Respond app. PulsePoint will notify you when CPR is needed and where the closest AED is.

Modern AEDs are designed so that any person can use them, even without any prior training. However, people are more likely to take action if they have had instruction. UAF firefighters provide CPR and AED training to small groups for $120. Sign up here.

The University Fire Department is also exploring a free AED training for larger groups later this fall. Information on that event will be shared when the details are finalized.

For more information, email Doug Schrage, fire chief, at drschrage@alaska.edu or call the University Fire Department at 474-5770.