Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Procedure

Effective: March 29, 2026 

Approved by: Justin Schwartz, Chancellor 

Procedure Owner: Vice Chancellor for Public Safety 

Procedure Contact: Senior Executive Advisor to the Vice Chancellor for Public Safety 

Applies to: staff, faculty, students, CU Boulder affiliates, visitors  

I. Introduction

Automated External Defibrillators (AED) are critical life saving devices that improve outcomes during sudden cardiac arrest events. The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is committed to ensuring AEDs are strategically placed, well-maintained, and available for emergency use. The AED Procedure supports the AED Oversight Policy by establishing consistent operational standards across all departments. 

II. Definitions

Administrative unit: A program, department, or office of CU Boulder. 

AED administrator: An administrative unit designee responsible for ensuring, tracking, and documenting monthly AED inspections and maintenance. 

Automated external defibrillator (AED): A medical device that can analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm. 

Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR): The manual application of chest compressions and rescue breaths to patients in sudden cardiac arrest done in an effort to maintain viability until advanced medical help arrives. 

Maintenance: The routine inspection, testing, and replacement of expired or defective AED parts. This must be performed and tracked monthly. 

III. Procedure Statement

  1. AED Acquisition and Placement 
    1. All new AED acquisitions must be coordinated through the Division of Public Safety (DPS). Any administrative unit seeking to acquire or replace an AED should submit their request to DPS for review and approval. This includes new construction and major renovation projects.  
    2. DPS will maintain a central database of all AEDs. This database will include information about the make, model, and exact location of each device. All new and replacement AEDs should be reported to DPS to be included in the central database.  
  2. Standards for AED Placement 
    1. Visibility and signage: AEDs must be wall-mounted in well-marked locations, with clear directional signage, visible from common corridors and public areas. 
    2. Proximity to high-traffic areas: Preferred placement includes near building entrances, lobbies, elevators, stairwells, and large gathering areas. 
    3. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance: AED cabinets must be installed with the center of the handle at no more than 48 inches above the finished floor, as required by the ADA. 
    4. QR codes: Each AED unit must be tagged with a unique QR code to support inventory management. 
    5. Campus maps: Publicly accessible AEDs must be listed on the interactive campus map with a description of the specific location within the building.  
  3. AED Maintenance and Inspections 
    1. Departments must ensure AEDs are maintained in good working order with unexpired pads, batteries, and functioning components. AED administrators are responsible for ensuring and documenting that monthly inspections are completed. Monthly inspections may be completed by a third-party vendor. Non-functioning AED units must be removed immediately and reported to DPS. 
  4. Training and Education 
    1. Any CU Boulder employees expected to use an AED in the scope of their duties including, but not limited to, Medical Services staff, CU Boulder Police Department (CUPD), athletic trainers, and other employees with assigned emergency response responsibilities, must receive training through a course that meets nationally recognized standards.  
    2. CU Boulder encourages all campus personnel to complete AED training regardless of role or responsibility. Departments can elect to provide internal CPR and first-aid training with an AED component, and the campus offers AED-specific training. 
  5. Emergency Response Guidelines 
    1. Colorado law provides immunity from civil liability for individuals and entities who, in good faith and without compensation, render emergency care using an AED. If you encounter an unresponsive individual on campus, the following actions should be taken:  
      1. Assess the individual: 
        1. Check responsiveness, breathing, and pulse. 
        2. Immediately call 9-1-1. 
        3. If possible, also call CUPD at 303-492-6666. 
        4. Follow the instructions provided by the 9-1-1 dispatcher and if you suspect cardiac arrest and are trained and able, begin administering CPR. 
      2. Retrieve AED: 
        1. Send a bystander for the nearest AED.  
        2. If alone and the AED is visible to you, get it yourself. 
      3. Initiate AED use: 
        1. Turn on the device and follow its auditory and pictorial prompts for pad placement, shock delivery, and CPR. 
        2. Continue care: 
          1. Follow ongoing AED instructions and perform CPR as prompted until EMS arrives and takes over.  
          2. Keep the AED on and provide responders with details when they arrive. 
  6. Post-Incident Procedures 
    1. Report the incident: 
      1. AED administrators must notify the Division of Public Safety immediately after any AED use by emailing AEDsupport@colorado.edu. 
    2. Service the AED: 
      1. The AED unit involved in the incident must be taken out of service, inspected, and any used components must be replaced by the department that owns the AED. 
      2. The AED must be returned to operational readiness before being placed back in its cabinet. 
    3. Review and documentation: 
      1. DPS will review all AED incidents and maintain a post-incident report. 

IV. Related policies, forms, guidelines and other resources