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Writer's pictureGAIL GOULD

Prioritizing Workplace Safety: The Importance of Having an AED


Workplace safety extends beyond preventing accidents to being prepared to handle emergencies when they occur. An aspect of safety often overlooked is the role of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).


According to The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, about 356,000 people of all ages experience sudden cardiac arrest outside a hospital each year, with 90% resulting in death. This alarming statistic emphasizes the need for AEDs in our workspaces. However, despite the life-saving capabilities of AEDs, their use is often deterred by misconceptions surrounding potential legal implications.


The Lifesaving Power of AEDs in Emergencies

When it comes to responding to cardiac arrest, every second is precious, and every action can mean the difference between life and death. That's where CPR, a technique many of us are familiar with, steps into the limelight. It's like the superhero that swoops in, keeping the heart, brain, and lungs of a person in cardiac arrest going. But here's the twist - even superheroes need a sidekick.


That's where our trusty Automated External Defibrillator, or AED, comes in. If CPR is the superhero, then the AED is the powerful gadget that gives our superhero the edge. An AED is a device that can give a controlled electric shock to a person experiencing cardiac arrest. This shock can jump-start the heart back into a regular rhythm, which is often the key to turning the tables on cardiac arrest.


Now, let's talk about timing. In the world of cardiac arrest, every tick of the clock matters. For each minute that passes without defibrillation from an AED, a person's chance of surviving dips by 7-10%. This stark fact drives home just how crucial it is to have swift access to an AED.


But keep in mind, having an AED close at hand isn't just about the device gathering dust in the corner. It's about knowing how to use it, too. It's like having a fire extinguisher but not knowing how to pull the pin. Modern AEDs are designed with everyone in mind, offering clear visual and audio instructions to guide even the most inexperienced user through the process. Ensuring quick access to an AED and knowing how to use it doesn't just improve survival rates, it empowers everyone in your workspace to become potential lifesavers.


Legally Speaking, Do You Have Anything to Fear in Using an AED?

Let's address the elephant in the room – the fear of using an AED. It's completely natural to worry about the legal ramifications of using a device like an AED. After all, it's a powerful device with a big responsibility. But here's a little secret – most of the legal issues that crop up around AEDs are not from their use, but from their absence or non-functionality.


Let's break it down. If you're in a place where an AED is required by law (like federal buildings, airports, and certain other places, depending on the state), not having one or having one that doesn't work properly could land the responsible party in some hot water. We're talking potential lawsuits.


On the flip side, if you've got a functioning AED and you use it in an emergency, the law is typically on your side. It's sort of like a legal 'high-five' for doing the right thing. The Cardiac Arrest Survival Act of 2000, for instance, provides legal immunity to a person who uses an AED on a victim of cardiac arrest. This means that you're legally protected when you use an AED to try and save a life.


So, if you're worried about getting sued for using an AED, you can breathe a sigh of relief. The real legal concerns lie in not having a working AED where it's required or failing to use one when it's needed. An AED is a tool of compassion and care - not a magnet for lawsuits. After all, the real risk lies not in using an AED, but in letting fear hold us back when lives are on the line.


What Are the Current Regulations Governing AEDs in Workplaces?

Navigating the landscape of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) regulations in workplaces can sometimes feel complex, but it's a crucial aspect of ensuring health and safety at work.


Let's start with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a federal agency responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions. While OSHA strongly advocates for comprehensive first aid supplies, they stop short of mandating AEDs in all businesses. It's more of a recommendation than an explicit requirement.


On the other hand, the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act of 2000 presents more definitive guidelines. This law dictates that certain places – including federal buildings, airports, and airplanes – must be equipped with AEDs. Moreover, it extends its mandate to other facilities based on individual state laws. For instance, Texas law requires schools, nursing homes, convalescent centers, and dental offices to have AEDs. This law also affords legal protection to individuals who use these devices in good faith during emergencies.


In an ongoing effort to bolster the role of AEDs in workplaces, lawmakers have introduced the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act of 2023 to Congress. This bill aims to further extend liability protection for businesses implementing AEDs, fostering a safer environment for all. The trend is increasingly towards more widespread adoption of AEDs, with evolving legislation providing further legal protections for those organizations that choose to prioritize the health and safety of their staff and visitors with these life-saving devices.


Scenarios Leading to Legal Troubles Involving AEDs

Legal complications involving AEDs typically occur under three scenarios:

  • The AED failed due to improper maintenance or product defects.

  • The premises lacked an AED, contravening a legal requirement to possess one.

  • An AED was available but not used due to lack of knowledge about its location, usage, or unawareness of Good Samaritan Laws, which protect individuals who assist others during emergencies.


In addition to having an AED, a comprehensive Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is critical for every organization. This plan should outline who is trained to operate the AED, where the AED is located, and how it is maintained. Regular monthly checks of the device are a must to ensure it remains in good working order.


Is your workplace prepared to use an AED in an emergency?

Ensuring the safety of your employees requires more than meeting the minimum regulations—it means being prepared for all potential emergencies. From CPR, AED, and First Aid Courses to Active Violence Training, I'd be delighted to assist your company in achieving its safety goals.


Remember, an AED in the workplace is not just a legal necessity or a box-ticking exercise. It's a lifesaving tool that can make a significant difference when every second counts. Ignoring the importance of having and knowing how to use an AED could have dire consequences. Let's work together to create safer workplaces for everyone.


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