3 Great Benefits Of Having Defibrillators At Your Workplace

Cardiac arrest is responsible for thousands of deaths every year worldwide. This condition affects a broad range of individuals irrespective of age and lifestyle. Aside from that, it does not have warning signs. Cardiac arrest can happen suddenly to anyone at any time. 

When a person suffers from cardiac arrest, the heart ceases to beat, thereby hindering blood from being pumped throughout the body. As a result, the vital organs stop getting oxygen and slowly start to shut down. Without immediate treatment, the chance of survival is very slim. Using a defibrillator, however, increases the chance of survival.

What Is An Automated External Defibrillator (AED)? 

Before you even learn the benefits of a defibrillator, it’s best first to understand what it is and how it works. The AED is a portable gadget that examines a patient’s heart rhythm and produces electric shock to the heart through the chest. This shock helps the patient’s heart rhythm go back to normal after suffering a cardiac arrest. 

This medical equipment usually features an in-built computer that reads and evaluates the heart rate using adhesive electrodes. Consequently, calculations will be done to determine if the AED is really necessary. You’ll be instructed by the computer to press the defibrillator’s shock button if the patient really needs it. In these scenarios, it will give you live correct CPR feedback. 

What Are The Benefits of Using A Defibrillator?

Since cardiac arrests can happen anytime to anyone, it is best to keep one on standby at your workplace. Here are some of the advantages when you have this medical equipment in the office.

 

1. Increases Survival Chances

 

As mentioned previously, a defibrillator helps increase the chance of survival among those who suffer from sudden cardiac arrest. Without this medical equipment, the chance of survival is reduced by 10% with each passing minute. But when used within three minutes after the cardiac arrest, the chance increases by 6 to 74% if a shockable rhythm is achieved. 

Early defibrillation is crucial to increase the chances of survival, reversing cardiac arrest. This device sends an electrical current to the cardiac muscle cells to momentarily stop the abnormal electrical energy. Hence, defibrillation helps restore normal heart rhythm.

Regardless if your workplace involves pure office computer work, manufacturing, or retail, having a defibrillator at hand can save people’s lives. It’s an indispensable tool for any business establishment, like a fire extinguisher in a building.

 

2. Improves Safety In The Workplace

 

Promoting the safety and well-being of employees should be a primary concern for every employer. One of the ways to achieve that is to buy a defibrillator that can be used whenever one of the staff gets a cardiac arrest. 

The defibrillator should be positioned in an area that is easily accessible. It must also be stored at normal room temperatures so it will be maintained in good condition. Moreover, all employees should be trained on how to use this medical equipment correctly. CPR training, first-aid, and defibrillator operation training are must-have courses for employees to promote health and safety.

It would also be prudent to have a healthcare worker or medical practitioner on standby. It’s best to have trained health professionals who can properly handle medical emergencies in the workplace. 

 

3. Promotes Immediate Emergency Response

 

When someone suffers from a heart attack, immediate action is crucial to increase their chances of survival. This is what a defibrillator in the workplace allows you to do, thereby reducing fatality rates. 

Implement prompt emergency response by including important items along with a defibrillator, such as a towel, wipes, or tissues to dry the victim’s wet or sweaty chest. You also need to prepare a razor to shave the hairy chest of the casualty and scissors to cut away clothing.

The defibrillator is especially vital for emergency purposes in certain situations, especially if:

• The workplace is located in hard-to-reach urban centers.
• Employees are constantly handling or using high-voltage equipment.
• Workers are working at great heights.
• The workplace is far from a hospital.

In these cases, it’s advised to have a defibrillator at the workplace for emergency use, since paramedics may take some time before they can arrive at your workplace. 

Takeaway

It’s clear that having a defibrillator in your workplace and training your staff on how to use it is beneficial. Thanks to this medical equipment, you can save the lives of many individuals. Since cardiac arrest cannot be entirely prevented, the best thing to do is to be prepared in case such an emergency happens in the workplace.