AED Information

Automated External Defibrillators (AED) are used in emergencies when someone is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. This medical device can be lifesaving as it analyzes the heart’s rhythm and, when needed, delivers an electrical shock (defibrillation) to help the heart regain an effect rhythm. Applying early defibrillation increases the survival odds for a victim with sudden cardiac arrest. 

There are currently over 300 AEDs across all Virginia Tech facilities, with over 200 on the Blacksburg campus. Further expansion of the AED program will increase availability not only on the main campus but also regional campuses and Agricultural Research and Extension Centers (ARECs). With the increase in the number of AEDs installed over the last few years the university has moved from a distributed management model to a centrally managed program implemented by the Division of Public Safety. The benefits of a centralized program include:

• Life cycle management to maintain the highest level of readiness;

• Monthly AED equipment checks; 

• Replacement of pads and batteries;

• Tracking the activation of any of the AED devices;

• Evaluation of future AED locations. 

These program changes will apply to AEDs across Virginia Tech properties throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, not just the Blacksburg campus. The Division of Public Safety is working with a third-party vendor to upgrade AEDs across the enterprise, to standardize equipment used and to provide consistent maintenance and service. In the past, departments were responsible for the purchase of AEDs. Starting in 2025, in many applications the purchase of an AED will not be the responsibility of an individual department.