Top 4 Benefits of AED in The Workplace
The AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) was introduced to the public in the 1960s but not until the last decade have these machines became more widespread. Nowadays, AEDs can be found in places where a large number of people gather such as schools, stores, airports, and medical centers. The next time you’re in a public place, look around and see if you can find an AED in place.
What is an AED?
AED is a small, battery-operated, and easy to carry device used to analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver an electric shock to prevent sudden cardiac arrest. The purpose of the shock is to ‘stun’ the heart to disrupt the chaos to restore normal heart pump function.
According to studies, 9 out of 10 people who experienced sudden cardiac arrest dies while waiting for emergency medical personnel. The vast majority of sudden cardiac arrest deaths happens in our own home, or in the workplace, where we spend a large portion of our every day.
With these facts in mind, having a readily available AED in all premises could be the key to saving a life.
Here are just a few reasons why an AED is a huge benefit in the workplace…
1. Heart Disease accounts for 1 Death in every 12 minutes
Heart-related diseases remain one of the biggest burdens in Australia, killing one Australian every 12 minutes. Among them, people who are living and working in remote areas had the highest death rate due to longer EMS response time.
If you work in remote areas, consider having an onsite AED. Defibrillators can save precious treatment time and improve survival odds before emergency medical personnel arrive.
2. Increase the survival rate by 60 percent
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Environment, immediate defibrillation can increase the victim’s survival rate up to 60 percent. The faster we can recognise and respond to a cardiac arrest, the more we can give that person the best chance towards recovery.
3. AED’s are easy to use
Defibrillators may seem intimidating, and even a little dangerous, but this life-saving device is not hard to use — even for people with little or no prior medical background. With little training, anyone can operate an AED.
Once it’s turned on, the machine will monitor the heart rate of the victim. It will then calmly talk you through the process and advise whether a shock is needed.
4. It’s always better to be prepared
Having an AED in your workplace gives you the confidence to save someone’s life should the worst-case scenario happen. The last thing you’d want is to feel helpless and powerless when you see someone in a medical emergency.
Get Trained.
It’s an excellent idea to have an AED in case of emergencies, and the easiest way to combat fears of using defibrillators is to receive proper training.
First Aid Pro offers CPR and AED Training that will provide you with an understanding of how to use an AED and apply Basic Emergency Life Support/CPR.
If you are considering getting trained, please visit https://thefirstaidcoursemelbourne.com.au/
