Should you have a defibrillator in your workplace?

More companies are strengthening their first aid programs by installing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the workplace and training workers how to use them. These small, portable devices can help saves lives of victims of sudden cardiac arrest. Unlike a heart attack, in which blood flow to the hears muscle is temporarily blocked, the primary cause of sudden cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation, in which the heart quivers instead of contracting in regular, forceful beats. A defibrillator delivers an electrical shock to the heart to restore the heartbeat. An AED is designed to analyze the heart rhythm and automatically indicate when to administer the shock.

OSHA encourages employers to consider having AEDs available in the workplace. While not a mandatory requirement in an OSHA standard, the agency believes that placing AEDs in workplaces will significantly increase survival rates for victims of cardiac arrest. AED training is available from the National Safety Council, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, private training companies and AED manufacturers. Employees can learn how to use AEDs in just a few hours. The Red Cross has made AED training a part of its standard CPR training course.

For additional information. OSHA has issued a fact card and technical information bulletin on the use of AEDs, to encourage employers to take advantage of this technology. AEDs are lightweight and run on rechargeable batteries. They are designed to analyze the heart rhythm and automatically indicate when to administer a shock. Units cost from $1,200 to $3,000 per device.

The OSHA fact card and technical information bulletin are available on OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov or by telephoning the agency's publications office at 1-800-321-OSHA.

OSHA has also issued a booklet entitled: "Saving Sudden Cardiac Arrest Victims in the Workplace," which is available on the OSHA website (www.osha.gov).

CCH-EXP, HRAnswersNow 84,430, Should you have a defibrillator in your workplace? Should you have a defibrillator in your workplace? More companies are strengthening their first aid programs by installing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the workplace and training workers how to use them. These