Why do you need AED in the workplace: Employers and businesses should have AED equipment at the work site to be prepared in case of a sudden cardiac arrest.
In this blog, we will tackle six reasons why do you need AED in the workplace.
The Lifesaving Importance Of AEDs
There are approximately 30,000 people who sustain cardiac arrest in Australia every year, and a huge percentage of these happen at work.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurs when ventricular defibrillation or VF takes place, causing the heartbeat to stop altogether. The victim may collapse or lose consciousness, become unresponsive, and suffer severe brain damage.
Without urgent medical attention, the chance of survival decreases every minute and can result in serious complications. The good news is early CPR intervention and the use of AED in the workplace can double or triple the chance of survival from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. (OHCA)
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a sophisticated yet easy-to-use medical device used in cardiac arrest. The electrode pads will be applied to the person’s chest to analyse the heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to the heart if needed.
The fact that many of us spend a large portion of our days in the workplace makes it more likely that we encounter a cardiac arrest while carrying out our regular job duties.
Having an AED in the workplace – whether in an office setting, a work site or any location you work in – could assist in saving someone’s life.
6 Reasons You Need An AED In The Workplace
The following list details six important reasons why do you need an AED in the workplace.
Be Prepared
Having an AED should be a staple for all business types – even those that are not public-facing.
As sudden cardiac arrest continues to be a leading cause of death in Australia, a defibrillator is an essential piece of lifesaving equipment for workplaces to have on site.
Prevent Deterioration
Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the most pressing and serious injuries, which is why delays in ambulance response times can lead to a series of complications.
For each minute that passes without CPR or defibrillation, the chance of survival falls by 10%.
Conversely, if CPR and defibrillation are given within the first few minutes of the arrest, the chances of survival can increase up to 60%. This prevents deterioration and keeps the person stable until an ambulance arrives.
Easy To Use
Contrary to misconceptions, AED devices are easy to use, even by non-medical personnel.
The AED device will guide you through everything through voice or visual prompts. The electrode pads that come with the device will automatically analyse the person’s heart rhythm and will advise whether or not a shock is needed.
Modern defibrillators have features where you do not have to work about accidentally shocking someone. It is because the device will only deliver a shock when it detects two life-threatening rhythms (ventricular fibrillation and unstable ventricular tachycardia). If someone loss conscious but still breathing and has a heartbeat, the AED will not deliver a shock.
Studies show that children as early as sixth grade can correctly use an AED to deliver a shock within 90 seconds. This makes a significant difference while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
Peace Of Mind
Having an AED on-site gives employers and businesses complete peace of mind knowing that their workers or visitors can be given treatment in case of potentially fatal cardiac arrest. Nothing makes you feel more confident than having a workplace fully equipped with the tools that could save lives.
Legal Requirements In The Workplace
The First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice by Safe Work Australia requires businesses and organisations to provide ‘adequate and appropriate’ equipment, facilities, and first aiders to ensure that employees will receive immediate medical attention in the event of injury or sudden illness at work.
The decision whether a workplace requires an AED and staff training on how to use would depend on the outcome of the first aid needs assessment.
Ensures Safety In Large Groups
Workplaces that consist of large groups of people have higher odds of having someone experiencing a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest.
These workplaces should have a good emergency response plan that includes AED use, CPR, and first aid. Having workers that can provide defibrillation and CPR in an emergency is a responsible thing to do.
How To Use An AED?
The instructions from an automated external defibrillator (AED) are straightforward, and even a person with basic first-aid training can use one. While different brands may vary in design and appearance, the method of using this device is universally the same.
The voice and visual prompts from the device should be followed immediately after cycles of chest compressions and rescue breaths.
We know it can be daunting to use an AED, especially if you have never had to use one before. This is why our Provide First Aid and CPR courses include training on how to use an AED in an emergency.
Get AED Training
In the event of a cardiac arrest, having workers who know how to use an AED and perform CPR can potentially save lives. From the receptionist, office staff, educators, construction workers, managers, or even the CEO of the company – knowing lifesaving skills is a must.
Providing the necessary training to your employees is a great way to boost productivity and foster an environment where health and safety are the priority.
First Aid Courses Darwin offers courses that will provide the practical skills and confidence to help save lives. Our first aid and CPR courses are suitable for beginners and for those who have previously attended one but want to refresh their lifesaving knowledge and skills.
Get in touch with our team for more information.
