Office of Risk & Safety HomeAutomated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
An AED is a portable lifesaving device that can be used to help a person that is suffering from cardiac arrest and is a proven method of reducing mortality. An AED is a device that attaches to a casualty's chest to assess the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, recommends that a shock be delivered to correct the heart's rhythm. An adult who has just gone into sudden cardiac arrest is most likely in urgent need of defibrillation, a metered electrical charge that can restore the heart to healthy function and save a life. To provide a realistic chance of survival, defibrillation must be available soon after cardiac arrest. AEDs are critical to saving lives because the more time that lapses without oxygenated blood circulating in the body, the more the heart, brain, and other organs are damaged. Once an AED has been attached to a person, it will determine if an electric shock is necessary to help stabilize and control irregular heart pulses and guide the operator through its use.
AED Availability
AED's are carried by Campus Security and Emergency Services and Queen's First Aid (during the semester). In the event of a medical emergency where an AED is needed, call 911 and Campus Security at 613-533-6111 or activate a Blue Light Emergency or Assistance Phone.
Purchasing an AED
Departments considering the purchase of an AED will be required to follow the requirements of the AED Program standard operating procedure (SOP-Safety-10). For more information, please contact Tyler MacDonald at the Department of Environmental Health & Safety.
AED Inspection and Maintenance聽
The Department of Environmental Health & Safety has partnered with Action First Aid to implement the "" software for the university. This software is an inspection and tracking tool that allows the University to track all AEDs and to ensure the proper inspections and maintenance are occurring so that they are Ready for Action. If anyone is looking to add an AED to their building, they will need to register their AED on this website. Please contact Tyler MacDonald at the Department of Environmental Health & Safety for direction on how to do this.
Upcoming Changes:
Bill 140, Defibrillator Registry Act, 2019, is an Act that provides for the creation of a registry of the location of defibrillators installed on premises that are accessible to members of the public and for the appointment of a Registrar to maintain the registry. The registry will be made available to 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers in Ontario to help direct people toward the nearest AED unit.
The Act also sets out certain requirements related to the maintenance of the defibrillators. It is expected that under the Act, the Ministry of Health will develop a list of locations where public defibrillators will need to be installed. Once the Act goes fully into effect, the Department of Environmental Health & Safety will consider the need for additional AEDs on campus and update our existing SOP to reflect the requirements of the Act and associated Regulations.