The Aed Defibrillator As A New Necessity In The Workplace
Children as well as adults may fall victim to sudden cardiac arrest. When the heart stops pumping, the AED can provide a jump start. Speed is important, as every minute without a heartbeat means 10% less chance of survival. After 5 minutes, permanent brain damage is almost certain. An AED defibrillator in the workplace is NOT a luxury.
Today, first aid at work means more than band-aids and aspirin. Advance planning for emergencies means having an AED defibrillator available. Call for help, of course, but start resuscitation immediately.
Increasingly, AED defibrillators are also found in many public places--airports, shopping malls, sports stadiums, casinos. Wherever there are crowds or foot traffic, you will find signs directing you to an AED defibrillator. Recently, a universal symbol signalling the location of a defibrillator was introduced, enabling personnel to find the on-site AED defibrillator with relative ease.
If medical personnel are available to use the equipment, that's even better. But the AED defibrillator can be applied by ordinary users, particularly in times of emergency. Keep in mind, without the use of a defibrillator, the death rate from cardiac arrest can reach 80%. The defibrillator can mean a survival rate of 50%.
The new automated defibrillators guide the user through their use with step-by-step voice instructions. A calming, interactive user experience can increase the percentages of success, so even non-first aiders can succeed in operating an AED.
Of course, workplace training in use of the defibrillator is a must. And you should always have a physician or medical responder on call.
