Change in Campus Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) program

A message from Occupational Health

The safety of our campus community is of utmost importance to the University of Waterloo. We’re making changes to ensure all AEDs on campus are properly located and monitored and to comply with upcoming Bill 141 legislation which aims to increase public access to life-saving AEDs.

To make this happen, the University is transitioning our internal AED program to the Region of Waterloo Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) program. This will ensure that our campuses have the necessary devices and the appropriate training and monitoring required at a very reasonable cost.

Our AED program has evolved to managing over 70 units on campus. The current structure cannot provide the support and oversight required once new legislation is in place. In addition, The Canadian Red Cross no longer provides oversight to the University of Waterloo for our AED program as it once did.

The PAD program has placed over 400 AEDs within public facilities, schools and workplaces overseen by Paramedic Services. The program provides CPR training to each registered site as well as the maintenance and replacement of parts. There is a fee of $110 + HST per AED unit, per year. 

Timeline and next steps:

This change will take place immediately. The annual cost of the program for all AEDs on campus will be covered by the Office of Vice-President, Academic and Provost. All departments responsible for AED devices have been contacted by Occupational Health for data regarding the units. If you have not yet been contacted by Occupational Health, and are responsible for an AED unit on campus, please contact occupationalhealth@uwaterloo.ca as soon as possible so we can register your device.

The Region of Waterloo PAD program representative will contact your AED departmental representative if they require further information. Otherwise, they will manage the ordering and replacement of parts.

Should you have any questions regarding this change, please contact occupationalhealth@uwaterloo.ca.

FAQ’s:

When will this new service begin?

April 1, 2024 is the annual billing cycle for the PAD program. We have been providing our AED inventory to the PAD program representative so they should have all existing units on file.

Does the PAD program cover all types of AED models?

No, the PAD program does not cover AED units made by Cardiac Science due to the high cost of replacement components. They do cover AED units made by Zoll (green), Philips (Blue) and Physio-control (Black/gold).  If you own a Cardiac Science model, you have the option of purchasing a new model that is covered under the PAD program, please contact occupationalhealth@uwaterloo.ca if you wish to proceed.

What if I am already part of the PAD program?

The University already has some units being managed under the PAD program (CIF, PAC, HH, Arts Theatre), this service will continue, however, the cost will transfer to the University, versus the department.

What about Satellite campuses and Affiliated & Federated Institutions of Waterloo?

The PAD program will service any units within the Waterloo region. They will not service outside of the region, i.e. Stratford campus. You have the option of bringing your unit to our Waterloo campus to have it serviced by the PAD program. I have confirmed that the AFIW will not be included in the funding of PAD by the Provost.  United College currently is self-funding their PAD program fees and will continue to. Should other AFIW’s wish to join PAD program please contact PAD representative Alan Hawes at ra.hawes@hotmail.com

If I have a question, who can I contact at PAD program?

Alan Hawes - ra.hawes@hotmail.com