If you are a UC Berkeley student and are interested in AEDs and your community, DeCal offers a course called: SHOCKS: Saving the Hearts of California Kids.

It is a student-facilitated course, with guest speakers discussing aspects of cardiac physiology, AED programs, and it includes CPR/AED certification from the Berkeley Medical Reserve Corps. 

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program at UC BerkeleyAED heart

AEDs have existed on the UC Berkeley campus since 2006. Not only are they located in most public buildings, but there are AEDs located in UCB police vehicles (mobile), sports and spectator venues, recreational sports facilities (RSF), and many UCB departments.    

The California Code of Regulations mandates that AEDs be inspected regularly. Previous to January 1, 2016, inspection of AEDs was required every 30 days. Pursuant to amendments (Section 1797.196 of the California Health and Safety Code) that frequency has been changed to at least every 90 days. The program continues to ensure that the AEDs are maintained in good working order and have parts are replaced as needed. The maintenance and inspection program is managed centrally by EH&S and UHS and coordinates with departments that maintain a large number of AEDs.  

Locations 

The AEDs are typically located in lobbies of public buildings on campus, either near or attached to the Disaster Evacuation Chair cabinet. Look for signage with the AED heart.   

aed sign

What is an AED?  

An Automated External Defibrillator (also known as an AED) is a type of computerized medical device. When properly placed on a person’s chest, it can analyze the heart’s rhythm and apply an electrical shock if needed. It will not give a shock to a normally beating heart. The AED uses voice prompts, lights, and pictures to tell the rescuer the steps to take. The State of California regulates public access to AEDs (California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 9, Chapter 1.8, Lay Rescuer Automatic External Defibrillator Regulations), and requires that policies and procedures be put in place to ensure the effectiveness and availability of AEDs. There has been an amendment to the regulations governing the maintenance and upkeep of an AED program, effective January 1, 2016.  

Who can use an AED?  

AEDs are extremely easy to use. The changes to the law have also changed the frequency and type of training required for a business to manage a public access AED program. Whereas, the previous regulations required at least one person in every building that had an AED to maintain certification in CPR and the use of an AED, the newer regulations only require that we have to demonstrate how to use an AED and that we offer this annually to at least one person. This can be in-person training, or through a video. We plan to put this training on the UC learning site. Any person who has gone through CPR/AED training or viewed the demonstration of the use of an AED has the skills to successfully use an AED. Anyone else can, at their discretion, provide voluntary assistance to victims of medical emergencies. California's “Good Samaritan” law in the Health and Safety Code specifically protects from liability any individual who volunteers to help someone in an emergency, as long as the actions are in good faith and not compensated for (Section 1799.102). These volunteer responders are encouraged to contribute to emergency response only to the extent they are comfortable.

Where can I get training?

We encourage all individuals of any age to be trained in providing CPR and in the use of an AED.   

AED video demonstration: We ask that at least one person in each building, per shift view this video. It only takes about fifteen minutes to watch the two videos and read the accompanying slides. This will be coordinated through the AED program.

We also encourage all of the campus staff and faculty to view this informative video. 

CPR/AED Certification Class 

Berkeley Medical Reserve Corps is an organized unit of medical volunteers, including students and community volunteers dedicated to UCB.  They provide medical coverage at UC Berkeley events and they offer low-cost CPR/AED training and certification to all members of the UCB campus community.  Contact the CPR Coordinator for information on the cost, times, and locations of classes or visit their website,  Facebook page, or Eventbrite page. Their Eventbrite page will allow you to register.  

Cal Recreational Sports offers CPR and First Aid Classes. All instructors are American Red Cross certified.  

The Red Cross offers many classes, including online trainings in first aid, CPR, and AED use. 

Contact Information

Questions? Please contact the University of California, Berkeley AED Program at aed@berkeley.edu