Women giving man CPR.

One of the most important things to remember when thinking about training life-saving skills for your team is that someone having a sudden cardiac arrest is not the same medical issue as someone having a heart attack. A cardiac arrest seldom displays symptoms and does not only apply to the elderly as it can occur at any age. Let’s learn why workplace CPR training is important.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA, more than 60 percent of workplace fatalities could have been prevented if an AED had been in place to provide life-saving techniques. Cardiac arrests are the leading cause of death in the US and Canada. 4 out of 5 of these deaths happen outside of a hospital, and people in the workplace are one of the many who could play a role in improving a person’s chances of survival if it occurs while at work. 

Why Workplace CPR Training is Important 

Even if a 911 call is made as soon as a medical emergency is noted, it often takes approximately 8 minutes for the EMS to arrive. The team then has to locate the victim, increasing the time for medical attention to be administered. After ten minutes, the chances for resuscitation are rarely successful. 

Workplace CPR training for your team is vital as the chest compressions administered through this procedure will generate a small amount of blood flow to the organs. An AED is even more important as the defibrillation from the external defibrillator will deliver a lifesaving shock to the heart, which will bring back a normal rhythm and restore blood circulation. 

Why AEDs Plays Important Role in CPR Training

An AED program is important to your company as it will increase the survival rate of anyone suffering a heart-related emergency. Each minute a person has delayed defibrillation of their heart decreases the ability to be able to restart the heart. The earlier a shock is given, the greater chances are for neurological damage to be avoided. When you have an AED in place in your workplace, you can reduce the time of a person getting the help they need to survive by almost five minutes. 

Having CPR and AED Training Programs is Important 

The American Heart Association calls the ‘chain of survival’ time-sensitive actions applied to a person suffering heart-related emergencies. These actions in the chain of survival include:

  • Early recognition
  • Early activation of emergency medical services
  • Initiation of CPR
  • Early advanced life support
  • Post-resuscitation care

Since the American Heart Association promoted access to defibrillation programs that focus on training the use of AEDs in public areas; including the workplace, there has been a significant impact on survival rates. Survival rates have doubled when CPR is accompanied by the use of an AED.

Good Samaritan Law Concern and AED with CPR

Many companies worry about having an AED in the workplace due to the liability of using an AED. This law can be a complex issue. In the United States, all 50 of them, including the District of Columbia include an AED in their Good Samaritan Law. Even with this inclusion, some companies worry about the incorrect administration of the equipment. 

AEDs and workplace CPR training are well worth any risks if you can save the life of an employee. If you are considering a training program for this equipment and CPR training, and are concerned about liability, have a member of your legal counsel, safety team review, and risk management review your AED program. 

Where to Find CPR and AED Training Programs?

Zee Medical supplies safety and first aid training solutions for your company. We are committed to keeping your business healthy and ensure your CPR and AED training programs are done under regulatory compliance. With more than fifty years of experience in the safety industry, we will provide you safety solutions to create a more productive and healthier workplace. 

 

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