New and Improved AEDs are Installed Across Campus

To improve accessibility and reduce response times during emergencies, the new devices were installed in high-traffic, highly visible areas, and in locations farther from existing units.  

“This was an important project to improve emergency medical response resource coverage at the NYMC Valhalla campus,” said Donna Egan, M.S., CSP, CHMM, CSHM, director of EHS.  

For Steinthal, an important consideration for new AED locations was to increase recognizability. She specifically advocated for an AED next to a water fountain outside the Medical Education Center’s library. “Every time someone refills their water bottle, they would notice that the AED is there,” Steinthal said.  

Direct access to an AED is essential in the event of an emergency. If an individual goes into cardiac arrest, an AED should be used immediately, as it is a priority to administer the AED within three to five minutes.  

“AEDs are made for use by the general public. One does not need to be a health professional to use an AED. There are prompts that will take you through exactly what to do—the placement of the pads, the heart rhythm, and then, if needed, the administration of an electric shock,” said Marisa A. Montecalvo, M.D., director of health services and professor of medicine.  

NYMC also replaced the campus’ original 19 AEDs with the latest model, the Zoll AED 3 Fully Automatic. Though the former models were completely functional and still available for purchase, the successor has additional benefits that promote greater efficiency and accessibility.  

Unlike the previous model, the newer model is fully automatic. Formerly, the semi-automatic AEDs prompted the user to press a button to administer a shock to the patient, whereas the upgraded unit delivers the shock automatically when warranted. The newer model is also designed for easier access, eliminating the plastic case that previously had to be removed before the device could be used.  

The upgraded AEDs also simplify use and maintenance. While the previous model required two sets of pads, for adult and pediatric patients, the new AEDs use a single set of pads that can be used for all ages. AED pads must be replaced every few years, as the conductive gel and adhesive degrade over time. This is part of the regular maintenance that the AEDs receive from the Office of Public Safety and Department of EHS.

“This project is aligned with our philosophy of ‘continuous improvement’. We are always looking for ways to improve our systems and programs, so we don’t fall behind,” said Egan.

Signage at each AED location has also been improved. There is a three-dimensional sign, and there will be a floor-to-ceiling stripe that contrasts from the rest of the wall. “A visual cue such as a 3D sign or different color paint on the wall will draw someone's attention, save response time, and hopefully save someone's life,” said Rob Lancia, M.A., director of public safety and campus operations.

Students are required to have basic life support (BLS) training before they begin their clinical programs, which involves learning to use an AED. “It’s important to recertify your BLS training as indicated," said Dr. Montecalvo. “Once you've received BLS training, many of us never use that training over the course that it is good for. It's a good idea to refresh in your mind the sequence of what's needed.”

The Department of EHS and the Center for Disaster Medicine (CDM) will be offering three awareness courses on campus this fall. Though not a certification course, this training will familiarize participants with hands-only CPR and AEDs.

Additionally, the Center for Disaster Medicine also offers BLS training through the American Heart Association and American Red Cross. This training teaches participants how to recognize a cardiac emergency, administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and deploy an AED.

“We host certification courses every month,” said Thomas McAdam, M.P.H., educator and accreditation manager of the CDM. “We plan to promote more training for students, faculty, and staff to be more prepared for sudden cardiac emergencies.”

NYMC faculty and staff are committed to familiarizing students with the AEDs on campus. Dr. Montecalvo and the Department of EHS both inform students of the AED locations during their introductory orientations. “Remember to know where the closest AED is to your work location, so you don’t have to think about it during an emergency,” advises Egan.  

Steinthal believes it is important for NYMC students to be involved in ensuring campus safety. “My classmates have had a diverse breadth of experiences prior to coming to medical school that drive their interests and the causes they choose to advocate for. Cardiac arrest awareness is that topic for me,” she said.  

She credits her advocacy to Project ADAM, a national nonprofit she has worked with for more than four years that is devoted to preparing communities for sudden youth cardiac arrest. Project ADAM New York is directed by Amy S. Brown, M.D., M.BE., assistant professor of pediatrics and pediatric pulmonology at NYMC. 
 
 
The following is a list of all AED locations on campus, with italics indicating one of the newly implemented AED locations. 

• Administration Building, outside Room 114
• Alumni House 1st floor
• Basic Science Building (BSB) Health Services, outside Room C12
• BSB Public Safety Office outside Room 223A
• BSB Comparative Medicine outside Room 711
• BSB Common area outside Cafe
• Medical Education Center (MEC) Lobby, Public Safety Desk
• MEC 2nd floor alongside the elevator
• MEC 3rd floor alongside the elevator
• MEC 4th floor alongside the elevator
• School of Health Sciences and Practice (SHSP), Lobby, next to main elevators
• SHSP 2nd Floor outside Rooms 211-212
• SHSP 3rd floor near elevator
• Vosburgh Pavillion 1st floor near elevators
• 7 Dana Road, front entrance vestibule
• 7 Dana Road, common area near kitchen
• 7 Dana Road, basement near overhead door
• Public Safety vehicles (2)
• Skyline Drive, Ground Floor near central elevator bank
• Skyline Drive, Ground Floor in the gym
• Skyline Drive, First Floor behind the Public Safety desk
• Skyline Drive, Second Floor in the elevator bank
• Skyline Drive, Third Floor in the elevator bank
• Skyline Drive, Fourth Floor in the elevator bank
• Student Housing, Nicholas and Liberta Testa Fitness Center
• Student Housing, Outside Superintendent’s office