WEST CHESTER, PA — West Chester University will offer free, hands-on CPR and automated external defibrillator training Friday, Nov. 6, giving students, families and community members an opportunity to practice responding to cardiac emergencies as the university expands awareness of its campus emergency equipment.
The event, organized with Avive Solutions, will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sykes Student Union, 110 W. Rosedale Ave., during the university’s Family Weekend.
Participants will practice recognizing cardiac arrest, performing chest compressions and operating an automated external defibrillator, or AED, in simulated emergencies.
Avive Solutions will provide 25 AEDs and CPR training manikins for the event. West Chester University Emergency Medical Services and the university’s Department of Public Safety will assist with instruction and answer questions.
The training builds on the university’s existing deployment of 68 Avive Connect AEDs across campus, where the devices are available for use during cardiac emergencies.
AEDs analyze a person’s heart rhythm and can deliver an electrical shock when necessary to help restore a normal rhythm. Their availability, combined with prompt CPR, can improve survival prospects following sudden cardiac arrest.
According to figures provided by the event organizers, approximately one in 10 people nationwide survives an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. They also cite survival rates of roughly 66% in school settings equipped with AEDs and trained responders.
The figures reflect different populations and emergency-response settings, but underscore the importance of rapid intervention when cardiac arrest occurs.
West Chester University serves more than 17,000 undergraduate and graduate students, making it the largest institution in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education.
The training coincides with Family Weekend, scheduled for Nov. 6-8, when students’ families are invited to participate in campus activities.
The event is free and open to students, faculty, staff, visiting families and the wider community.
Event Details
- What: Free CPR and AED Training Day
- When: Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: Sykes Student Union, 110 W. Rosedale Ave., West Chester, PA
- Cost: Free
- Who: West Chester University Emergency Medical Services, WCU Department of Public Safety, and Avive Solutions
The training will give participants practical experience with emergency-response equipment already installed across the university, helping them prepare to assist during a cardiac emergency.
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