These devices could mean the difference between life and death.

Thanks to a matching grant from the Iowa Department of Public Health, William Penn University purchased several automatic external defibrillators. Otherwise known as AEDs, they are used as life-saving devices in the event of a heart attack — much like defibrillators found in an ambulance.

Josh Erickson, head athletic trainer at Penn, said if an AED is used properly on an individual having a heart attack, their chance of dying is reduced by 80 percent.

The critical element though, is time. Ideally, heart attack victims are aided by an AED within four minutes. In the event of a heart attack, an AED can buy precious time before the arrival of an ambulance.

“The brain and the heart start to die after that,” said Erickson of the four minutes of critical time.

Erickson said everyone setting foot on Penn’s campus will be made safer with the addition of the AED units, which will be placed in clearly marked cases in eight of the university’s major buildings. The university already had two AED units before recently purchasing eight more.

“They’re also here for the community,” said Erickson, who noted an AED could be used on an audience member at one of Penn’s many sporting events.

Although there is a distinct risk for some student athletes to suffer heart attacks, older individuals at risk for a heart attack will be the most likely to use the AEDs, he said.

“In the first two years I was here we had two instructors die of heart attacks while teaching,” said Erickson who went on to say that AED units could have saved their lives.

Erickson added, much of the planning involved with the AED units was spearheaded by the university’s head of security Tim Reynolds. Chad Rodgers, assistant director of the Penn Activity Center and student activities, also played a role in planning for the AED units.

University employees are currently being trained on using the AEDs and residence hall staff will do the same when fall classes resume.

“The more people involved in this on campus, the better,” said Erickson.

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Herald City Editor Andy Goodell can be reached at news2@oskyherald.com