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NETC Expands Campus Safety with Avive Connect AED®s
CHERAW, S.C. — Northeastern Technical College (NETC) has deployed 15 Avive Connect AED®s (Automated External Defibrillators) and 20 first aid kits across its campuses, strengthening emergency preparedness and reinforcing the college's commitment to protecting lives through proactive, community-centered safety initiatives.
The NETC joins a growing number of technical and community colleges investing in modern, scalable AED programs to address health risks on campus and improve emergency response and cardiac arrest survival outcomes for students, faculty, and staff.
The initiative, originated by Melvin Warren, NETC Safety and Security Manager, and facilitated by Dr. Veronica Jenkins, SCC3 Consortium Director, is designed to enhance emergency response capabilities and improve outcomes in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. The equipment is distributed across all campuses to maximize accessibility and coverage.
AEDs have been installed in high-traffic and athletic areas, supported by clear signage and secure cabinets to ensure they are easily accessible in critical moments. On the day of delivery, NETC leadership and board members were on site to receive hands-on training, reinforcing the college's commitment to preparedness and proactive safety measures.
"One of the key reasons we selected Avive for our AED program is its cost-effectiveness and smart connectivity features," said Melvin Warren, NETC Safety and Security Manager. "The device's real-time automated data reporting capabilities enhance our ability to continuously monitor AED readiness across campus while reducing time-consuming manual checks, ensuring our AEDs are always ready when needed."
The new AEDs have advanced, life-saving features designed to improve response time and effectiveness. Each device performs daily self-tests and is supported by remote readiness monitoring through cellular, Wi-Fi, and GPS connectivity. The AEDs are also equipped with 911 integration, which alerts local emergency telecommunicators with the exact GPS location as soon as the pads are placed on a patient's chest.
The initiative is a key component of NETC's broader student health and wellness strategy, emphasizing preparedness, awareness, and timely intervention.
Erin Fann, NETC Interim President, said the partnership reflects a strong commitment to protecting students and strengthening campus safety. "Providing access to life-saving equipment and training helps ensure our college community is prepared to respond when it matters most," Fann said.
Warren emphasized the importance of readiness and accessibility. "Having AEDs readily available across our campuses, combined with proper training, significantly increases our ability to respond quickly and effectively during an emergency," he said.
By strengthening its AED program, NETC is enhancing emergency readiness and underscoring its commitment to a culture of care, preparedness, and shared responsibility across campus.
About Northeastern Technical College
Northeastern Technical College (NETC) is a public community college committed to providing high-quality, career-focused education that empowers students to achieve their goals. With a wide range of programs spanning healthcare, skilled trades, business, and technology, NETC combines hands-on learning with supportive instruction to prepare students for success in the workforce and beyond. Guided by a mission to serve its community and foster lifelong learning, NETC equips students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in their chosen careers. For more information, visit www.netc.edu.
