Automated External Defibrillators (AED) Oversight Policy

Effective: March 29, 2026Ìý

Approved by: Justin Schwartz, ChancellorÌý

Policy Owner: Vice Chancellor for Public SafetyÌý

Policy Contact: Senior Executive Advisor to the Vice Chancellor for Public SafetyÌýÌý

Applies to: Staff, faculty, students, Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder affiliates, visitorsÌý

I. Introduction

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching the brain and other vital organs. When used in conjunction with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillators (AED) can significantly improve SCA survival outcomes. According to Colorado state law (C.R.S. 25-53-102), public schools and public places are encouraged to place functional AEDs in sufficient quantities to ensure reasonable availability for use during perceived SCA emergencies, and any individual is permitted to retrieve or use an AED. The Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØ (Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder) is committed to promoting campus health and safety by expanding AED access in public areas where bystanders can assist in emergencies.ÌýÌý

The AED Policy grants authority and oversight of AEDs at Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder to the Division of Public Safety (DPS). This AED Policy outlines the procedures, standards and guidelines for acquisition, placement, maintenance, and use of AEDs in compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.Ìý

II. Definitions

Administrative unit: A program, department, or office of Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder.Ìý

AED administrator: An administrative unit designee responsible for ensuring, tracking and documenting monthly AED inspections and maintenance.Ìý

Automated external defibrillator (AED): A medical device that can analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.Ìý

Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR): The manual application of chest compressions and rescue breaths to individuals in sudden cardiac arrest done in an effort to maintain viability until advanced medical help arrives.Ìý

Maintenance: The routine inspection, testing, and replacement of expired or defective AED parts. This must be performed on a monthly basis and tracked.ÌýÌýÌý

University funds: Funds of Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder comprising all revenues, grants, donations, etc. received by Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder.ÌýÌý

III. Policy Statement

The Division of Public Safety has authority and oversight over all AEDs on Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder property; establishes the procedures, standards, and guidelines for AED acquisition, placement, and maintenance; and ensures compliance with the AED Oversight Policy. DPS will maintain a centralized inventory of all AEDs owned by Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder with information including, but not limited to, location, departmental ownership, and an AED administrator.Ìý

Administrative units that own AEDs at Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder are required to identify an AED administrator who is responsible for ensuring monthly inspections of their assigned AEDs are completed and AEDs are in good working order with all components functional and unexpired. Monthly inspections may be completed internally or through a qualified third-party vendor. Any non-functional AED must be removed immediately until it can be serviced or replaced. Departments must notify DPS when removing, replacing, or purchasing an AED. DPS reserves the right to remove AEDs that do not meet maintenance or regulatory standards. DPS provides inspections for AEDs where an owner is unable to be determined.ÌýÌý

  1. ExemptionsÌý

    1. The authority and oversight of all AEDs by DPS does not extend to the following exemptions:Ìý

      1. Personal AEDs acquired for individual use, not purchased with university funds, and not publicly accessible;Ìý

      2. AEDs in Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder health care facilities or clinics that operate under accreditation, licensure, or clinical protocols for device management; andÌý

      3. AEDs used by licensed or certified health professionals acting under their medical protocols. These personnel will follow the standards and reporting requirements set by their accrediting or regulatory bodies and internal policies.Ìý

IV. Roles and Responsibilities

Division of Public Safety (DPS): Responsible for the overall management and oversight of the AED Oversight Policy.Ìý

Executive Medical Director of Student Life and Well-Being: Provides support for medical and operational questions regarding AED use.Ìý

AED Administrator: Responsible for tracking and documenting monthly AED inspections and maintenance for their department, in compliance with each vendor’s maintenance and testing recommendations consistent with the manufacturer’s operational guidelines.Ìý

V. Procedures

  1. Automated External Defibrillators (AED) ProcedureÌý

VI. Related policies, forms, guidelines and other resourcesÌý

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  5. (MyÂ鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØlogin required)Ìý

VII. History

  1. Adopted: March 29, 2026

  2. Revised: N/A

  3. Reviewed: N/A