OLIVET, Mich.Olivet College has purchased two portable automated external defibrillators (AED), which are used to treat victims who experience sudden cardiac arrest. In addition, an Olivet alumnus has committed to purchasing two more units.

According to Janet Menconi, chair of the Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sport Department (HPERS), an AED is only applied to victims who are unconscious and without a pulse. The machine will analyze the victims heart rhythm and advise the operator if a shockable rhythm is detected. If so, the fully automated AED will charge to an appropriate energy level and notify the user to deliver a shock.

The AEDs are automated to prompt the operator on the appropriate steps, such as placing the pads on a persons chest or resuming CPR, said Menconi, who also serves as assistant athletic trainer and assistant professor of HPERS. If the person has a heartbeat, the machine will not shock them.

Several college employees have been trained in operating the devices, which are housed in the Office of Campus Safety and the Cutler Athletic Complex Training Room.

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