CPR, First Aid Kits, Fire Extinguishers, & AED's (Defibrillators)

Departments are encouraged to review the CPR information that has been included here and determine whether it is appropriate to have certain or all members of your staff CPR-trained. Information on other safety equipment, including first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and defibrillators is also included in this section.

CPR, First Aid Kits, Fire Extinguishers and AEDs (Defibrillators) 

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• Policy – It is recommended that all DSA employees receive Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training due to the high volume of contact with Florida State University Students and visitors.  It is recommended that there be DSA employees available to provide initial CPR during an emergency to assist an employee, student or visitor until Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrives.
• Rationale - The purpose of having employees trained in CPR is to assist students, visitors and co-workers in the best chance of survival in the event of a life threatening situation, until the arrival of EMS.
• CPR Class Availability – There are a number of locations on campus where employees may arrange CPR training and certification such as Human Resources, Environmental Health and Safety, Campus Recreation (Aquatics), Thagard Student Health Center (TSHC) and FSU Police Department.  A number of other agencies in Tallahassee also offer CPR classes such as Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, Capital Regional Medical Center, Capital Health Plan, American Red Cross and the American Heart Association.
• Campus Events – It may be necessary to schedule CPR trained staff or volunteers to attend events scheduled on campus.  For routinely reoccurring activities, it is advised to designate and train staff members in CPR and have them present at these activities.  Other options include the First Responders who can be scheduled to staff events by contacting TSHC and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) who can be scheduled to staff events by contacting Leon County Emergency Medical Service.

First Aid Kits

• Policy – It is recommended that all DSA departments purchase a first kit due to the high volume of contact with Florida State University Students and visitors.
• Rationale – The DSA has a high volume of contact with FSU students and visitors and the potential exists for minor injuries during DSA sponsored activities.  Minor injuries can be self treated with the supplies found in a simple first aid kit.
• First Aid Kit - The recommendation is to purchase a simple pre-filled first aid kit appropriate to serve 25 people.  First Aid Kits of this type are available through several FSU approved vendors for approximately $50.00 or less.  Some DSA departments such as TSHC and Leach Center may be required to obtain a more extensive first aid kit due to the types of illness and injuries seen and the level of professional training held by the staff member.  A recommended source for first aid kits is available at www.respectofflorida.org where first aid kits and kit refills are available and are reasonably priced.
• Injuries – Any injuries perceived to be more serious than needing a band aid should be assessed by a healthcare professional.  Students and visitors can receive medical attention by contacting FSU Police Department, TSHC or 911.

Fire Extinguishers

• Policy – It is recommended that all DSA employees receive training in the operation of a fire extinguisher.
• Rationale – The purpose in having all staff members familiar with the operation of a fire extinguisher is to reduce the risk of injury to staff, students and visitors by a fire.
• Training – It is recommended that all staff members should have practice discharging a fire extinguisher.  Training for fire extinguisher use can be scheduled through the Environmental Health and Safety Office which can be reached at www.safety.fsu.edu.
• Locations – All DSA employees shall make themselves familiar with the locations of the nearest fire extinguishers to their work area.  Departments may consider signage to assist visitors to their area of the location of fire extinguishers.

AEDs (Defibrillators)

• Policy – It is recommended that an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) be available in each DSA governed building during the hours of departmental operation to provide initial management during cardiac emergency until Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrives.
• Rationale - The purpose of having the AED available during hours of operation is to provide a means of assessing and delivering an electrical shock to the heart of a student, employee, or visitor who is in cardiac arrest.
• Location – Know if/where your department has an AED. Post adequate signage to direct employees, students and visitors to the AED location.  Additionally, there are AEDs located at Thagard Student Health Center and the Florida State University Police Department.
• Qualified Personnel – It is recommended that personnel are offered, at a minimum, non-medical CPR training that will include the use and operation of the AED.  It is recommended that all departments have several employees with CPR training.  Personnel in some DSA divisions (i.e. Thagard Student Health Center, Leach Center, etc.) may be required to achieve a higher level of CPR training such as CPR for Health Care Professionals or ACLS.  All personnel trained in CPR and in the use and operation of the AED may follow the procedure below.
• Maintaining Equipment – Departments that have an AED shall designate an employee to perform a monthly check to ensure that the equipment is working properly and disposable attachments, such as leads, do not have an expired date. 
• Procedure
  • Utilizing basic CPR guidelines, determine if the patient is having a cardiac emergency (no signs of circulation).
  • Connect the AED to the patient as trained.
  • Operate AED according to equipment instructions and training received.    
  • Continue CPR and using the AED, as indicated, until EMS arrives.
• Purchasing an AED – AEDs have a wide price variance, but for budgeting purposes plan for approximately $3,000.  The FSU Purchasing Department can assist in determining vendors who supply AED equipment.
• For the latest updates, see Environmental Health & Safety's Guardian for AED recommendations.