The University of Delaware has been recertified as a HEARTSafe Campus this month by the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation (NCEMSF), American Heart Association and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association.

The recognition program was developed to focus on public cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and rapid access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at academic institutions.

According to NCEMSF, the cornerstone of any HEARTSafe Campus is a vibrant campus-based emergency medical response organization, along with rapid public access to defibrillation, early access to advanced care, and public CPR and AED training.

To qualify for the award, UD completed and submitted a rigorous self-assessment and verification packet and fulfilled all required criteria to improve the chances that anyone suffering a sudden cardiac arrest will have the best possible chance for survival.  

Red, white and blue stickers with the words "HEARTSafe Campus–AED Equipped Building" may be found on the entrances to buildings on the Newark campus, the Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes and campuses in Georgetown, and Wilmington. The presence of the sticker indicates that the building houses at least one AED unit, which can be used in the event of a cardiac arrest to help restart an individual's heart.

In addition to the buildings, all UD Police cars and the University ambulance are also equipped with the devices. For a complete list of AEDs on campus, go to http://www1.udel.edu/ehs/generalhs/aed-locations.html or check the Campus Maps for buildings that have a heart symbol on them. Clicking the heart symbol will show the specific location of the AED within that building.

For more information on CPR classes or the AED program, visit UD's Environmental Health and Safety website.