AED for Businesses: What to Know

AED Machines for Businesses

The survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the US is very low, only 8%-10%, according to the National Institute for Health (NIH). However, that percentage increases to 50%-74% when immediate defibrillation is performed with an on-site AED. It stands to reason then, that the acquisition of an AED for any workplace is both a wise and practical investment for a business.

What is an AED?

AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator, a portable medical device used to resuscitate someone who is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. The goal is to reset the victim’s cardiac electrical activity so that it can resume pumping normally.

The acronym AED stands for:

Automated. It tells the machine’s operator what to do with voice and visual prompts.
External. The operator places the AED electrode pads on the chest of the victim. In the case of an infant or juvenile, pads are placed on the chest and back.
Defibrillator. The AED delivers a shock to restart or correct a dangerous heart rhythm.

How Does an AED Work?

AEDs are designed to be easy to use. Once the machine operator places the electrode pads on the victim’s bare chest, the AED analyzes the heart’s rhythm. If the machine detects a dangerous rhythm, AED voice prompts or visual cues will instruct the user to press a button or the machine itself will automatically deliver a shock. It’s important to note that the AED will not deliver a shock unless it’s medically warranted.

Once the user has shocked the victim, they should proceed to perform CPR compressions. Many AEDs provide real-time feedback for CPR compressions between shocks.

When Should an AED Be Used?

There are specific medical conditions for which the application of an AED is recommended. These include:

Sudden Cardiac Arrest. A sudden loss of heart function causing the heart to stop pumping blood to the brain and the body.
Ventricular Fibrillation. A chaotic heart rhythm.
Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia. A fast but ineffective heart rhythm.

In What Situations Should an AED Not be Used?

There are situations in which an AED should not be used. It’s important to remember that an AED will analyze a victim’s heart rhythm before prompting a user to deliver a shock or automatically delivering a shock. That means that a person responding to an emergency does not need medical training or the ability to diagnose cardiac conditions in order to administer aid.

Medical conditions for which an AED will not deliver a shock include:

Asystole. Flatline with no heart rhythm.
Pulseless Electrical Activity. Electrical activity is present but there is no pulse.
Myocardial Infarction. When blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle.

Are We Required to Have an AED in the Workplace?

There is no federal mandate in the US requiring businesses to have an AED on their premises. Each state has its own laws and regulations regarding AEDs, so it’s important to research state and local laws in your area that potentially govern the use of AEDs in the workplace.

OSHA does not require AEDs in the workplace, but does recommend their presence for certain industries where the risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest is greater. These include:

Construction sites
Manufacturing facilities
Health care settings
Health clubs
Dental offices

What Type of AED is Best for Our Workplace?

The type of AED you choose depends on your needs. We recommend you research a variety of brands to find an AED that meets your criteria. Features to look for include:

Ease of use with voice prompts or visual cues to provide guidance
Self-checking to ensure readiness when responding to an emergency
Pediatric capabilities if there are children in the workplace, i.e. school, daycare, etc.
Durability especially if it’s in an industrial setting or outdoors
CPR feedback with verbal instructions given in between shocks administered

Where Should We Keep Our AED?

If you do decide to acquire an AED for your business, take some time to consider the best location for it in your workplace. Some factors to consider when determining location:

An area that is easily accessible and highly visible
High risk areas where strenuous activity occurs
Consider an emergency response area with your AED, fire extinguisher and first aid cabinet in close proximity
Make sure the AED is accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Avoid placing it in areas that require time consuming navigation such as stairways or locked closets. This can waste precious response time.

Can Employees Use an AED Without Formal Training?

AEDs are designed to be simple and easy using voice-guided commands to walk a person through administering a shock effectively. Though it’s not required, formal training for employees is encouraged to improve response time and build confidence.