Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at UoB
An AED is a small electronic device designed to allow trained or untrained people to provide lifesaving defibrillation (electric shock to the heart) to victims of a sudden cardiac arrest.
Training in use of AEDs will be provided, keep an eye on this Intranet page for further information.
- PAD are located externally in areas where any member of the public can access them
- They are designed to be used by anyone and instructions are detailed on the cabinet containing the AED
Location of PAD on UoB campus:
- Estates Maintenance Building (Y6 on campus map)
- Physics West, next to call point (archway by R8 on campus map)
- University House (O3 on campus map)
- Shackleton Hall, The Vale (external wall facing car park)
Two mobile Security vans carry AEDs, which are available 24 hours a day. Call 43000.
AEDs located in buildings on the Edgbaston campus
Please note access may be restricted in buildings due to their operating hours or required swipe entry. Please enquire about local arrangements.
Location of AEDs in buildings:
- Main Library – Ground floor first aid room
- The Medical School – Main reception on the wall
- The Education Building - Ground floor, main foyer.
- SPORTEX – 2nd floor by the gents’ toilets
- University Sport and Fitness:
Lower ground floor, pool timing office
Ground floor, reception
First floor, gym office
Second floor, performance centre reception
- Guild of Students - 2nd floor facilities office
- Aston Webb - main reception desk
- Chemical Engineering - reception area G23
- Elms Road Computer Centre G5 - ground floor, reception
- Winterbourne - shop behind the reception desk
- Edgbaston Park Hotel - behind the reception desk
Location of AEDs off campus
- High Temperature Research Centre - on wall main entrance
- The Raymond Priestley Centre, Coniston
- All University-run nurseries - on wall main entrance
- Fire Station, Bristol Road, opposite Beech House
- ORLC, Selly Oak Campus - security office
Public Liability Insurance Cover for First Aiders
All University staff who are qualified as first aiders and have attended a University of Birmingham First Aid at Work course, are indemnified under the University Public Liability insurance policy when administering first aid during the course of their daily duties, or during their lunch break, or journey into or from work.
Transport to Hospital other than by ambulance
If an ambulance is not required but the casualty is in need of assessment at the nearest Accident and Emergency department a taxi will be provided. The FAW/EFAW accompanies the casualty in this instance. Private cars should not be used.
Blood-borne viruses
Blood-borne viruses (BBV) are viruses that some people carry in their blood and which may cause severe disease in certain people and few or no symptoms in others. The virus can spread to another person, whether the carrier of the virus is ill or not.
Blood-borne viruses of concern for First Aiders are Hepatitis B, C and HIV. However, the risk of being infected with a BBV while carrying out first aid is small.
The following precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of infection:
- cover any cuts or grazes on your skin with a waterproof dressing
- wear suitable disposable gloves when dealing with blood or any other body fluids
- use suitable eye protection and a disposable plastic apron where splashing is possible
- use a resusciaid when you give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, but only if you have been trained in its use
- wash your hands after each procedure
Hepatitis B immunisation
University first aiders are offered protection against Hepatitis B, free of charge by the University Occupational Health Unit.
The immunisation consists of a series of three injections, given in the muscle of the upper arm, over a period of three months. Six to eight weeks after the completion of the course a blood sample is taken to test the immunity level. If a satisfactory level of immunity is achieved, a booster dose is given five years later. If you would like to take up this offer or discuss the matter further, please contact occupationalhealth@contacts.bham.ac.uk to arrange an appointment.
Useful links
A-Z of topics
Contact for First Aid Advice
First Aid Courses
Accident/Incident reporting
First Aid Policy (PDF 733KB)
Risk assessment guidance for first aid provision (PDF 179KB)
First Aid Notice
Health assessment for first aid training questionnaire (PDF 63KB)
Record of First Aid Treatment Form (PDF 12KB)
First Aid kits - recommended contents (77 KB)
Specific injuries and incidents
First aid for specific chemical incidents
Biological puncture wounds
and splashes
Needlestick injuries
Blood-borne viruses information (MS WORD 32KB)