Automated External Defibrillators (AED) Oversight Policy

Effective: March 29, 2026 

Approved by: Justin Schwartz, Chancellor 

Policy Owner: Vice Chancellor for Public Safety 

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

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

I. Introduction

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching the brain and other vital organs. When used in conjunction with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillators (AED) can significantly improve SCA survival outcomes. According to Colorado state law (C.R.S. 25-53-102), public schools and public places are encouraged to place functional AEDs in sufficient quantities to ensure reasonable availability for use during perceived SCA emergencies, and any individual is permitted to retrieve or use an AED. The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is committed to promoting campus health and safety by expanding AED access in public areas where bystanders can assist in emergencies.  

The AED Policy grants authority and oversight of AEDs at CU Boulder to the Division of Public Safety (DPS). This AED Policy outlines the procedures, standards and guidelines for acquisition, placement, maintenance, and use of AEDs in compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. 

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 individuals 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 on a monthly basis and tracked.   

University funds: Funds of CU Boulder comprising all revenues, grants, donations, etc. received by CU Boulder.  

III. Policy Statement

The Division of Public Safety has authority and oversight over all AEDs on CU Boulder property; establishes the procedures, standards, and guidelines for AED acquisition, placement, and maintenance; and ensures compliance with the AED Oversight Policy. DPS will maintain a centralized inventory of all AEDs owned by CU Boulder with information including, but not limited to, location, departmental ownership, and an AED administrator. 

Administrative units that own AEDs at CU Boulder are required to identify an AED administrator who is responsible for ensuring monthly inspections of their assigned AEDs are completed and AEDs are in good working order with all components functional and unexpired. Monthly inspections may be completed internally or through a qualified third-party vendor. Any non-functional AED must be removed immediately until it can be serviced or replaced. Departments must notify DPS when removing, replacing, or purchasing an AED. DPS reserves the right to remove AEDs that do not meet maintenance or regulatory standards. DPS provides inspections for AEDs where an owner is unable to be determined.  

  1. Exemptions 

    1. The authority and oversight of all AEDs by DPS does not extend to the following exemptions: 

      1. Personal AEDs acquired for individual use, not purchased with university funds, and not publicly accessible; 

      2. AEDs in CU Boulder health care facilities or clinics that operate under accreditation, licensure, or clinical protocols for device management; and 

      3. AEDs used by licensed or certified health professionals acting under their medical protocols. These personnel will follow the standards and reporting requirements set by their accrediting or regulatory bodies and internal policies. 

IV. Roles and Responsibilities

Division of Public Safety (DPS): Responsible for the overall management and oversight of the AED Oversight Policy. 

Executive Medical Director of Student Life and Well-Being: Provides support for medical and operational questions regarding AED use. 

AED Administrator: Responsible for tracking and documenting monthly AED inspections and maintenance for their department, in compliance with each vendor’s maintenance and testing recommendations consistent with the manufacturer’s operational guidelines. 

V. Procedures

  1. Automated External Defibrillators (AED) Procedure 

VI. Related policies, forms, guidelines and other resources