Medical Emergencies

Medical Emergencies

In the event of a medical emergency:

  1. Contact Emergency Services:
    1. Call (615) 421-1911 to reach VUPS Dispatch.
    2. Call 911 to reach the Metro Nashville Police Dispatch.
  2. Provide the following information:
    1. Building name
    2. Floor and room number
    3. Caller's name and phone number
    4. Location of injured person
    5. Nature of injury and severity of the injury
    6. Current condition
    7. Any known information about the person
    8. Any known medical history
  3. Remain with the person with the medical injury. DO NOT move them unless
    they are in immediate danger of further injury.
  4. If possible, send someone to meet the responding emergency personnel at
    the location designated by the dispatcher.

Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)

What is an AED

Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are portable, life-saving devices designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a medical condition in which the heart stops beating suddenly and unexpectedly.

 

All AEDs include instructions on when and how to use them. Training on proper use of an AED is recommended. However, someone with no training can use the device. AEDs automatically analyze the heart rhythm in people who are experiencing cardiac arrest. When appropriate, it delivers an electrical shock to the heart to restore its normal rhythm. The AED system includes accessories, such as a battery and pad electrodes, that are necessary for the AED to detect and interpret a person's heart rhythm and deliver an electrical shock if one is needed.

AEDs at Vanderbilt University

To comply with Tennessee State Code, Vanderbilt University utilizes an AED management company, Premedics, to supply AED management, support, and service to our AEDs located throughout campus.

Vanderbilt University departments interested in purchasing an AED may do so through an approved vendor. At this time, Vanderbilt maintains a relationship with Premedics to purchase, maintain, and service onsite AEDs. The purchasing department is responsible for all costs associated with their AEDs. For assistance with purchasing an AED, please contact The VU Office of Emergency Management Division of Occupational Safety and Health. All AED additions or removals must be reported to the VU Office of Emergency Management for documentation and mapping.

Vanderbilt University departments who purchase an AED must identify and maintain an AED manager. The AED manager is responsible for ensuring all departmental AEDs are enrolled in the AED management program. AED managers must also complete and document monthly checks of the AEDs within the management program.

If you have any questions or need assistance with AED management, please contact The VU Office of Emergency Management Division of Occupational Safety and Health.

AED/CPR training is not offered on campus at this time. Premedics, The American Red Cross, and the American Heart Association may be contacted to provide training for these life-saving skills. 

While training may not be necessary to utilize an AED, it is highly encouraged.