KNOXVILLE – The University of Tennessee Police Department has added Automated Electronic Defibrillators (AEDs) to patrol cars. The devices were placed in vehicles this morning.
UTPD officers are the first responders to emergencies on campus, including medical emergencies.
“The number of people on campus daily, in addition to special events, demonstrates the need for the UT Police to be able to respond quickly to incidents of medical distress,” Interim Chief Debbie Perry said. “We are committed to being able to provide a prompt and professional response.”
Police Captain Keith Lambert said the survival rate for a person in cardiac arrest is increased by an AED. Also, he said according to the American Heart Association, more than 250,000 people die in the United States from cardiac arrest each year and the survival rate decreases by 7 to 10 percent for each minute that passes without a defibrillator.
All UTPD officers receive Red Cross certification for CPR and AED use.
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C O N T A C T :
Keith Lambert (865-974-6631, klambert@utk.edu)
Bridget Hardy (865-974-2225, bhardy4@utk.edu)