Why Should a Workplace Have An AED (Automatic External Defibrillator)?
The risk of having a Sudden Cardiac Arrest is ever-present. About 350,000 people are at the risk of facing an SCA this year alone and according to The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an estimated 890 deaths occur due to coronary conditions. This figure only represents the people who die due to the hospitals being far. Another set of reports show that a significant number of people also dye from heart attacks, electric shocks and Asphyxia in the workplace. It has further been indicated that 60% of those deaths could have been avoided had an Automated Electric Defibrillator (AED) been readily available.
Having an AED in the workplace is extremely important for various reasons. Some of these can be:
- Emergency help may take time to arrive. You cannot risk the life of the person by waiting for Emergency Medical Services to arrive. Having an AED unit available will give you a chance to help in a critical situation.
- In case of ventricular fibrillation, the lower chambers of the heart would be quivering due to the increased pace of the heartbeat. In such a condition, a shock from an AED can bring it back to normal.
- CPR may not be enough as the number of people saved though CPR is not that high. An AED device can be a more reliable solution in case someone has a Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
- Using an AED is not difficult. It can be operated with basic to minimum know-how of operating the device which is not difficult to learn.
- It is lightweight, portable and easy to store. Thus, it can easily be stored in the workplace.
- The technology is very sophisticated and has a high rate of producing accurate outcomes. Reports indicate that as much as 95% of the AEDs do not recommend to give a shock if the person’s heartbeat does not indicate any need for it to be given.
- They can be a lifesaving ray of hope for employees in the face of a sudden critical health condition. Giving training on how to use them and briefing on the importance of the technology can make a huge difference in time of need.
- 90% of the people die within the first five minutes of having a Sudden Cardiac Arrest if not given immediate medical help or taken to a hospital. Having an AED on hand can increase the possibility of survival.
- It has been proved time and again that AEDs can be extremely helpful if placed in public places and workplaces.
That being said, it is also extremely important that the units are kept up-to-date and employees are given regular training, updates and support by making them learn how to operate them. Many cases of AEDs being out of use and completely dysfunctional in various public and work places have been reported. In order to give safe and helpful access to life-saving technology, the units must be kept up-to-date and should be serviced regularly.