CPR training is essential in any workplace. CPR training in the workplace saves lives.
Sudden cardiac arrest is a common cause of death in the workplace. According to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, about 356,000 out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrests occur annually in the United States; about 10,000 sudden cardiac arrests occur at work. The survival rate is only 5-7% if the victim is not treated before paramedics arrive. Studies show that with immediate CPR and/or defibrillation administered within minutes of cardiac arrest, survival rates are doubled or tripled, leading to better neurological outcomes.
Being prepared and educated on how to respond to an emergency is critical to the positive outcome of a sudden cardiac event. However, it’s alarming that more than half of United States workers are not trained in CPR or first aid. Additionally, only fifty percent (50%) of people surveyed could locate an automated external defibrillator (AED) at work.
EVERY MINUTE COUNTS
A Sudden Cardiac Arrest victim will die within minutes if CPR isn’t performed in time. With every minute that passes, there is a 5-7% decrease in the odds of survival. Unfortunately, the number of CPR-certified people in the workplace is low, which means that someone who suffers an SCA is at the mercy of fellow employees’ life-saving skills.
Reasons Why Employers and Managers Should Invest in CPR / AED and/or BLS Training for Employees
- Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) awareness is critical.
When workplace employees know the signs of cardiac arrest and other emergencies, they are better equipped to handle these incidents with confidence and skill, potentially saving a life. - CPR skills extend beyond the workplace.
When a company invests in CPR and Basic Life Saving (BLS) training, they are setting employees up for success and providing them with skills that could save a life in the office, home, or anywhere. - Training improves workplace safety and preparedness.
CPR/AED training and safety education are great ways to keep employees informed and assist in the prevention of accidents. - Life-saving skills increase employee value and improve workplace safety.
Employees are a company’s greatest asset. Offering CPR certification courses to employees demonstrates an investment in the health and safety of employees. It is a great way to boost overall employee wellness and create a positive, safe work environment. - CPR Training is a great team-building exercise.
A group CPR class is a memorable and unique team-building activity, boosting employee morale while enhancing skills and self-confidence.
OSHA Information on Workplace SCAs and AED Training
- 13% of workplace fatalities reported to OSHA are caused by sudden cardiac arrest.
- Jobs with shift work, high stress, and exposure to certain chemicals and electrical hazards increase the risk of heart disease and cardiac arrest.
- Employers should consider using AEDs at their work sites to reduce the time to defibrillation and improve survival.
Recent Co-worker Life-Saving Examples
- “A Nevada man says he is really grateful for his co-workers. He says he would be dead if not for their efforts to revive him.” On June 15, 2022, Dan, who works in the Nevada attorney general’s office, suffered a heart attack and was unresponsive. His co-workers jumped into action, performing high-quality CPR for thirteen minutes until EMS arrived, saving his life.Read full article >
- Emergency Management Employees Save Co-worker’s life.
On May 24, 2022, co-workers found Sheri Badger on the floor at work, unresponsive and gasping for air. Being an emergency management office, the employees quickly performed CPR. They administered a shock with an onsite AED to save her life. “This was pretty much a textbook example of how early recognition of an emergency, early access to 9-1-1, early access to CPR, and early access to defibrillation work together as key links in the ‘chain of survival to save lives,” said Brendan McCluskey, Emergency Management Director. “If there’s anything that comes out of this, (I hope) that more people take CPR and AED (training) and feel comfortable to do it,” Badger said. “I also want people to know very clearly that if it wasn’t for the AED and CPR I wouldn’t be here.”Read full article > - On February 2, 2022, co-workers at Versant Power saved the life of a co-worker just hours after their group CPR refresher course. “He was then found by his four co-workers, who immediately performed CPR, grabbed the AED, called 911, all the incredible things you have to do in the heat of the moment.””You never think it’s going to be that person next to you; I had just sat personally next to the individual for three and a half hours (in a CPR Refresher training course), and then its go time, we’ve gotta do what we gotta do.”Read full article >
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Life-Saving Training Solutions
As part of our mission to make the workplaces a safer place, Rescue One offers CPR, AED, and other life-saving training solutions to businesses of all sizes. We can help you empower your employees with the skills and confidence they need to respond to a medical emergency at home and at work.
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