Community Health
Community health is the responsibility of all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. Members of local governments and individuals living in the surrounding communities also play a role in maintaining a robust community health program. Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) provides information about the following community health considerations.
- Automated External Defibrillator
- Pools
- Hand sanitizers
- Drinking water
- Bats and rabies
- Certain diseases
An Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) is a computerized medical device that will:
- Analyze the heart rhythm of an individual in cardiac arrest
- Recognize a shockable rhythm
- Advise the operator (through voice prompts and L.E.D. indicators) whether the individual should be shocked
This means that it is possible for non-medical professionals to administer a controlled electric shock to a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. The AED ensures that an electric shock is delivered only when necessary. Currently, over 300 AED units are available across the campus, Including:
- The University of Michigan (U-M) Police Department patrol vehicles
- Student Life security vehicles
- Athletic and recreational sports venues
- Performance venues
- F&O High Voltage utility vehicles
Standard Operating Procedures, Guidelines, and Manuals
Training
Anyone expected to use an AED in a cardiac emergency should be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the appropriate use of AED devices.
The U-M preferred vendor for AED selection, purchase, and training is Aventric/HeartAED. CPR Training is also available.
To contact Aventric/HeartAED please call 800-228-3343 Ext. 232
Bats are a key part of a healthy ecosystem. They prey on night-flying insects, help disperse seeds, and pollinate plants. However, bats may also carry rabies and are a significant source of potential rabies exposure for humans in Michigan and across the United States.
Why are Bats a Concern?
- Bat bites and even droplets of bat saliva may cause rabies in humans.
- Bat bites can be difficult to identify because they may not leave a mark.
- In Michigan, rabies is found more frequently in bats than in other mammals.
- Rabid bats cause the most rabies deaths in the U.S.
Have You, Other People, or Pets Been Exposed?
The following scenarios are examples of exposure events:
- A bat was in a room with a sleeping person
- A bat was in a room with an unattended child, someone with mental or physical disabilities, or someone who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- A human had contact with a bat
- A pet (e.g., dog, cat, ferret) had contact with a bat
| IF YOU FIND A BAT IN… | THEN… | AND YOU SUSPECT THERE WAS AN EXPOSURE… |
| U-M Residence Hall |
| Seek medical advice if an exposure occurred by calling University Health and Counseling at 734-764-8320 (available 24 hours a day) to determine whether treatment (rabies vaccine) is recommended |
| U-M work area |
| Seek medical attention immediately either at the U-M Occupational Health Services Clinic (complete the Work Connections Injury & Illness Form) or your primary care physician |
| Other areas such as an apartment or home |
| Seeking Medical Attention If you are a University of Michigan student, seek medical advice if an exposure occurred by calling University Health and Counseling at 734-764-8320 (available 24 hours a day) to determine whether treatment (rabies vaccine) is recommended. If you are not a University of Michigan student, contact your local health department for medical guidance. Reporting Exposures for People/Pets If located in Washtenaw County, Call the Health Department at 734-544-6700 (business hours) or report the exposure using the online form found on Washtenaw County’s Rabies Information page. If located in a different county, find the rabies information page on your local health department’s website. |
Check these links for resources to help you find information about diseases you may be concerned about.
Supplemental Information
The U-M Environment, Health & Safety Department is working in partnership with University Health Services and Washtenaw County Health Department among others to help keep our community healthy and safe. If you have questions or concerns, please contact EHS at 734-647-1143 or at [email protected] so we may get a message to the appropriate EHS staff member to address your needs.