Meghann Anderson
Staff writer
A new addition has been added to the Harry Lee Waterfeild Library. Next to the front doors hang an automated external defibrillator.
On Tuesday the Murray-Calloway County hospital donated two AEDs to the University.
A ceremony was held at the Waterfield library showcasing the AED. Keith Travis, spokesperson for the hospital presented the AED to the University.
President Randy Dunn, Josh Jacobs, Dunn’s chief of staff, and Adam Murray, dean of the University libraries, spoke on behalf of the University.
“I often call the library the academic heart of the University,” Murray said. “We now have something to support the physical heart.”
Murray said the Waterfeild library will see about 4,000 people come through on any given day and their safety is important.
“First and foremost we make sure that Murray State is a safe and secure environment for parents and students,” said President Randy Dunn. “We have the police and so many others that devote their careers to this.”
Murray State Police Lt. Jeff Gentry said it is important to get as many AEDs across campus as possible.
Travis said 25 AEDs have been donated and distributed through the community.
“Quick application action is key and in most cases CPR can save a life,” said Jacobs. “But an AED is needed to correct the problem.”
There are currently 12 AEDs spread across campus in locations such as the Susan E. Bauernfeind Student Recreation and Wellness Center, Roy Stewart Stadium, the CFSB center and the Carr Health building.
“I think it is a wonderful tool that the hospital endowment program donated to the University,” Gentry said. “I would encourage everyone to get trained in how to properly use the AED.”
Gentry said six of the AEDs are in patrol cars to allow mobility through campus.
“The first letter stands for automated, which is great,” Jacobs said. “The AED can be administered with little medical knowledge.”
Training for how to work an AED will be held later this month.
Jacobs said once the door of the AED is opened, public safety is alerted with up to the minute response capability.
He said the AED registers the demographics of the person to produce the correct amount of shock.
Dunn said he hopes to continue the relationship that Murray State has with the Murray-Calloway County Hospital.
“We have a great track record with the hospital,” Dunn said. “You never know where things lead once you get them started.”
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