Carnegie Mellon University EMS Assists with Cardiac Arrest

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Press Release

Shortly after 2:30pm on Sunday July 15th, Carnegie Mellon University EMS was dispatched for a possible cardiac arrest on campus. Carnegie Mellon University EMS arrived on scene within 2 minutes of being dispatched and initiated CPR in conjunction with application of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). This is the second use of an AED on campus since the program began in 1998.

An AED is a portable device which, when attached to a pulseless patient, can deliver an electrical shock able to correct lethal heart rhythms. When used quickly and combined with early CPR, it greatly improves the chances of the patient regaining a pulse and having a positive outcome. Carnegie Mellon owns five AED's: one is located behind the Athletic Equipment Desk in the University Center, one is kept at the NREC in Lawrenceville, one is kept with the athletic trainer, and two are located in patrolling Campus Police cars. The AED used on Sunday came from one of the police cars.

A special thanks to Campus Police officers Mickens and Varchetto for their rapid response time and assistance with all aspects of the call, including assisting with CPR. Bryan Kaplan, an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Carnegie Mellon University EMS Operations Manager, administered care until Pittsburgh Paramedics arrived. The patient was further stabilized with IV drugs and transported to UPMC Presbyterian.

Carnegie Mellon University Emergency Medical Service is a Basic Life Support (BLS) Quick Response Service (QRS), covering the campus of Carnegie Mellon University. An all-volunteer organization, Carnegie Mellon University EMS is in service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the fall and spring semesters, and during breaks and holidays as personnel allow. Carnegie Mellon University EMS provides service for a population of 10,000, and are dispatched to approximately 600 calls a year.

Any parties wishing more information about EMS on campus, CPR/AED training and/or First Aid classes should contact Carnegie Mellon University EMS at cmuems@andrew.cmu.edu or the address below.

Carl Peterson - EMT-B
Executive Director

Bryan Kaplan - EMT-B
Operations Manager

Mailing Address:
Carnegie Mellon University EMS
UC Box 88, 5000 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Office Location: Student Center Room 109
Office Phone: (412) 268-1025