As an NIH employee, you can receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation/automated external defibrillator (CPR/AED) training. The training covers CPR instruction with the use of AEDs located at
National Institutes of Health (NIH) facilities located on and off campus. In the event of a cardiac arrest, the AED is used to apply electrical shocks that can restore normal cardiac rhythm until emergency medical services (EMS) arrive on site. Training is available to NIH employees to support the goal of making the NIH community a safer place to work. This training was developed solely for the use of NIH employees, Public Health Services Officers and long-term contractors. NIH suggests that users outside the agency consult the safety and health professionals at your institution for specific guidance. For additional information about this program contact the AED Program Manager at (301) 402-3743 or via email.
The NIH has strategically placed AEDs throughout the NIH Main Campus and off campus locations. An AED is a portable device used to help people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It analyzes the heart’s rhythm and prompts the user to deliver an electrical shock when necessary to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm. Having employees trained to use AEDs could mean the difference between life and death should a cardiac emergency occur.
Update and Guidelines for the NIH AHA Training Center During the COVID-19 Pandemic.pdf
American Heart Association Guidelines for expired cards during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Select one of the links below for more information:
About CPR/AED Training
Basic Life Support Courses ( for Clinicians and NIH Public Health Service Officers)
Basic Life Support Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Lay Responder CPR/AED Course
How to Claim Your CPR/AED American Heart Association eCard
Instructions to Sign Up for CPR/AED Course
Note: Before the training course begins at Building 31C Sixth Floor Conference Room 6C33B: (31C Sixth Floor 6C33B), instructors will conduct attendance.
CPR/AED Training Location: Building 31C Sixth Floor Conference Room 6C33B
Note: Training room numbers are subject to change. Refer to the system registration confirmation notice or the registration site.
Note: The training room at
Building 31C Sixth Floor Conference Room 6C33B opens for class as scheduled; introductions are completed during the first 15 minutes of opening; afterwards, the training room door is closed and sign posted i.e. "If you are reading this sign, you must reschedule to attend this class; for additional information, please contact Michael Dunn at (301) 496-2960 or e-mail
dunnm2@mail.nih.gov."
AED Locations
NIH American Heart Association Training Center Policy for Workplace Harassment
About CPR/AED Training
The training and participation of the NIH community is a vital component of our Public Access Defibrillation Program. The training covers the use of an AED and CPR for an adult. The Office of Research Services (ORS), Division of Occupational Health and Safety offer two types of CPR/AED training:
1. Basic Life Support Courses
- Full length certification course (in-person)
- Renewal certification course (in-person)
- Blended Learning renewal certification (online virtual classroom and in-person skills session)
2. Lay Responder CPR/AED Course (in-person).
The training offerings provide the following:
Two year certification.
Free to all NIH employees.
Follows the guidelines set forth by the American Heart Association.
Database tracking with renewal notification 90 days before your current card expires.
Training on the current AEDs that are located on and off campus of NIH sites.
Note: Training is limited to NIH Employees, Public Health Service Officers, and contractors affiliated with NIH ICs.
Basic Life Support Courses
Basic Life Support Full Course (Approximately 5 hours)
The Basic Life Support Full Course is designed to provide clinicians and NIH Public Health Service Officers (i.e. physicians, nurses, those who work in patient contact areas, clinical staff, and Commission Corps) the ability to recognize several life-threatening emergencies, provide CPR, use an AED, and relieve choking in a safe, timely and effective manner. This course is for those that have not taken the Basic Life Support Full Course (formerly known as the Healthcare Provider CPR/AED Training) previously or for those whose certification has expired. The NIH AHA Training Center in building 31 is committed to providing scheduled BLS full course training from 8am to 1pm. It is mandatory for clinicians and NIH Public Health Service Officers to take this training and subsequently take the Basic Life Support - Renewal (BLS-R) Course every two years.
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Basic Life Support - Renewal Course (Approximately 3 hours)
The Basic Life Support - Renewal Course (BLS-R) is for clinicians and NIH Public Health Service Officers (i.e. physicians, nurses, those who work in patient contact areas, clinical staff, and Commission Corps) that have an unexpired Basic Life Support certification. This course is for those that have taken the Basic Life Support Full Course (formerly known as Healthcare Provider CPR/AED Training) and the certification has not expired. The NIH AHA Training Center in building 31 is committed to providing scheduled BLS Renewal Training courses from 8am to 11am and from 12pm to 3pm. It is mandatory for clinicians and NIH Public Health Service Officers to maintain their Basic Life Support certification every two years. Note: If your BLS card has “Expired” you may take the renewal course. You may also register for the full training if it’s deem necessary.
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Blended Learning- Basic Life Support Renewal Skills Sessions (Approximately 2 hours)
The Basic Life Support renewal in-person skill sessions are part of the blended learning BLS renewal training for those that have taken the online Basic Life Support Course (formerly known as Healthcare Provider CPR/AED Training). This course is a combination of online and in-person training. Upon registration for your desired skills session you will receive the instructions to complete the online Basic Life Support prerequisite. Each skill session registration will be closed five business days before the skill session takes place. The Basic Life Support Skill Sessions are for clinicians and NIH Public Health Service Officers (i.e. physicians, nurses, those who work in patient contact areas, clinical staff, and Commission Corps) that have a requirement to maintain their Basic Life Support certification every two years. The NIH AHA Training Center in building 31 is committed to providing scheduled BLS Skill Sessions to support the Blended Learning initiative for CPR Training. Note: If your BLS card has “Expired” you may take the renewal course. You may also register for the full training if it’s deem necessary.
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Lay Responder CPR/AED Course (Approximately 3 hours)
The Lay Responder CPR/AED Course teaches individuals critical skills needed to respond to and manage a first aid, choking or sudden cardiac arrest emergency in the first few minutes until emergency medical services (EMS) arrives. The course does not fulfill the Basic Life Support Course certification requirements. Note: If you are a clinician or a NIH Public Health Service Officer, you must take the Basic Life Support Course or the Basic Life Support - Renewal Course.
If your institute, organization or building would like to schedule a Lay Responder CPR/AED Course at your location, contact the AED Program Manager at (301) 402-3743 or via
email.
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AED Locations
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) have been placed at the following locations:
Select Campus:
| AEDs in Building 01 |
| 1st Floor Lobby Across From Elevator |
| 2nd Floor Next To Elevator |
| 3rd Floor Next To Elevator |
| Basement Floor Across From Elevator |
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