The University of Houston continues a multiyear project to expand access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The University of Houston's Fire & Life Safety department installed 106 AEDs across campus this summer, increasing the university's total inventory to over 350. Every campus building now has at least one AED, and Fire & Life Safety is working toward a goal of placing an AED on every floor by the end of 2028.
These lifesaving devices can dramatically improve survival outcomes during sudden cardiac arrest, with every minute without defibrillation reducing the chance of survival. By strategically increasing AED coverage across campus, the University is strengthening its ability to provide rapid emergency response and helping ensure that students, faculty, staff, and visitors have access to this critical resource when seconds matter most.
Since assuming responsibility for the AED program in April 2023, the department has significantly expanded access to AEDs while also increasing CPR/AED training opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. Together, these efforts reflect the University’s ongoing commitment to fostering a safer, more prepared campus community.
AED Coverage Continues to Grow
Chris McDonald, UH fire marshal, said the department created a comprehensive plan to identify buildings most in need of additional AED coverage. Residential facilities, including residence halls and the Hilton University of Houston, were among the first priorities, followed by science buildings.
"We want to ensure that people in those spaces have quick access to lifesaving equipment if an emergency occurs," McDonald said.
Currently, 33% of UH campus buildings have an AED on every floor. Fire & Life Safety expects that number to increase to 66% by the end of 2027. Students, faculty and staff can locate AEDs using interactive maps available through the Fire & Life Safety website for the UH, University of Houston Sugar Land and University of Houston Katy campuses.
"We want to make sure AEDs are readily available and that people know how to use them and feel confident doing so," McDonald said. "Having both access and training can make a critical difference during an emergency."
Building Confidence Through CPR/AED Training
In addition to managing and maintaining AEDs across campus, Fire & Life Safety offers free American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR/AED training for UH employees. The four-hour course teaches participants how to recognize cardiac emergencies and respond effectively until advanced medical personnel arrive.
Classes are offered twice each month on the UH campus and once a month at the University of Houston Sugar Land campus.
"The feedback has been very positive," McDonald said. "The training gives people the skills needed to help keep someone alive until advanced life support can arrive and take over."
Beckham Dossett, former associate professor and director in the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts, completed the CPR/AED course in 2024 and said the training increased her confidence in responding to an emergency.
"It was surprising how easy the AED machine is to use once you understand the basics," Dossett said. "It's very straightforward and user-friendly."
As Fire & Life Safety continues expanding AED coverage and training opportunities, department leaders hope more members of the UH community will be prepared to act when seconds matter. By increasing access to lifesaving equipment and hands-on training, the University is strengthening emergency preparedness and enhancing safety across all UH campuses.