University installs defibrillators as part of first aid initiative

The University of Derby has installed 14 automated external defibrillators (AED’s) across its sites this week, as part of a first aid initiative.

Earlier this year, the University launched a team of Incident Responders who are responsible for first aid, fire marshalling and incident support duties.

The campaign was launched across all of its Derby and Buxton sites. The telephones are manned 24-hours-a-day by security in order to respond to emergencies on-site. There are more than 60 employees signed up to perform the role. 

An AED is a device which can be used when someone has suffered a cardiac arrest - the only intervention which can restore a normal heartbeat and must be carried out with 10 minutes of arrest for there to be any chance of survival.

The likelihood of a satisfactory outcome diminishes with the passage of time. A patient should receive treatment within a matter of minutes in order to improve the outcome. For every minute defibrillation is delayed, approximately 10% of patients will die.

The AED’s will be located at the main reception of each building or an appropriate central location on larger sites making them as accessible as possible.

Robert Woods, Senior Health and Safety Adviser at the University of Derby said: “The introduction of automated external defibrillators across each University site shows the commitment we have in our ability to respond effectively to any type of first aid incident.

“Our first aid training providers Red Cross and our local East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) will provide additional support for our newly installed defibrillators.”

The Incident Responders have recently been undergoing training, Julie Milner, Administrative Assistant at the University of Derby said: “The defibrillators provide user friendly step-by-step instructions, they are easy to use.

“Whilst naturally we hope that a situation where it is necessary to use them never arises, it is extremely reassuring to have them and increase the likelihood of being able to save someone’s life should such an instance occur.”