Locating the AED in the Workplace

Poll Reveals Nearly 80 Percent of Employed Adults Can't Locate Their Workplace's Defibrillator

Results from Cintas indicate organizations need help managing life-saving tools

CINCINNATI, OH--Each year, approximately 300,000 people suffer out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrests (SCA) that require revival from an automated external defibrillator (AED). According to the results of a survey commissioned by Cintas, a leader in first-aid and safety programs, although many workplaces have AEDs on site, it’s likely that a majority of workers would not be prepared to locate and use the units. The survey, conducted online by Harris Interactive® among 2,019 adults ages 18 and older (of whom 916 are employed), found that 79 percent of employed adults do not know where their workplace’s AED is located.

“The American Red Cross says that bystanders could save at least 20,000 additional SCA victims each year with more widespread use of AEDs,” said Jamie Samide, Senior Director of Marketing, Cintas. “Our survey suggests that this may be a challenge unless more organizations partner with a first aid provider like Cintas to ensure AEDs are properly installed and maintained. Organizations must also train their employees to know how to recognize the symptoms of SCA and find and use the units.”



The September 2013 survey indicates that many workplaces need to make AEDs more available. Thirty percent of employed U.S. adults note that their workplace does not have an AED on site. Merely having an AED on-site, however, is only the first step. Organizations also need to train their employees on the use of AEDs to improve employee confidence and skills in situations involving them. Of employed U.S. adults:

• Less than 1 in 5 (17 percent) feel confident that they could reach the nearest AED in their workplace and return to the victim quickly
• Eighty-six percent would not feel comfortable using the AED during an emergency such as cardiac arrest
• Eighty-eight percent have not received training on the proper use of the workplace AED

“Too often, we find that workplaces believe having an AED on site is an adequate precaution in regards to SCA,” added Samide. “To increase confidence and effectiveness during an emergency, organizations should work with a safety provider that offers AEDs, tests and inspections, and training, to save time and ensure ongoing safety and compliance.”
For more information, please visit www.cintas.com/firstaidsafety.

SOURCE: BusinessWire.com

Celebrate National CPR/AED Awareness Week, June 1-7

June 1st marked the beginning of National CPR/AED Awareness Week. This week, various websites and news media will be covering the basics of learning CPR and using an AED in case of cardiac emergencies.

Heartrescuenow.com presents a shocking video of a stranger collapsing in a mall from SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest) in the midst of a crowded shopping mall and asks the question, "What Would You Do?" The video strikes an emotional chord once you see others walking around and staring at the victim, now lying facedown on the mall floor, because they are unaware of what action steps to take or simply because they don't understand the danger of the situation. And, possibly because they are fearful to try to save the man due to their lack of knowledge.



Heartrescuenow.com presents a interactive game that gives the viewer an opportunity for users to make decisions as if they were in a popular location and saw someone collapse. The choices range from "Call 911" in the beginning to "Locate AED" or "Begin CPR" once emergency services have been alerted. This would even be a great way to introduce children to what they should do if someone collapses.



Heartrescuenow.com makes a strong case that many people don't understand how to handle these dangerous, and sometimes fatal, situations. Their efforts to alert and educate their users will surely save lives in the future.

To celebrate National CPR/AED Awareness Week, educate yourself. Locate your local Red Cross or American Heart Association and inquire about learning CPR and how to use a AED. The life you save in that mall could be your own friend or family.

Honor your Father and learn CPR to save a life...

Sometimes the small,easy tasks are those that pay off the largest. In saying this- we want to remind everyone the importance of learning CPR, it is actually a gift to all to know it. It is super easy and quick and it's offered in so many places for you to keep putting it off. What a perfect way to to honor someone you love.

Heart disease is the number 1 killer in the United States and 80% of those who are struck with cardiac arrest will be in their home.. The American Heart Association calls CPR the "chain of survival." Because of the series of actions performed in sequence during CPR, it greatly increases the chance of survival for the patient.

Many schools from elementary age through high school are now requiring all students to learn and be certified in CPR. This may be the best way for your child to learn the techniques and get a hands on learning experience. For adults who may not have those resources, The American Red Cross offers classes at your nearest location and also has a printout on their website to remind you of what should be done. Another great place for learning CPR is your local hospital. Often, they will offer free classes and you will be able to train with a technician or nurse.

We want you to always be prepared in case of an emergency. Just knowing CPR techniques could help you save someone's life. If your Father is alive this Father's Day - honor him by learning CPR, if he is no longer with you - honor him more by wanting to save a life.

If you haven't had a certification or taken a class on CPR we're asking that you do! And if you're already certified, please keep it up to date and for all the Father's -  Living for Zachary would like to wish you a wonderful, happy and heart healthy Father's Day!

Celebrate the Hands of Time - 50 years of CPR - Learn it today!

Would you know what to do if someone around you went into cardiac arrest? It is likely most people would say "Sure! I would do CPR," but often there is a lot of misconception about performing CPR - this is a mistake that could cost a life.

Mouth-to-mouth is probably the first thing that pops in to mind when mentioning CPR. As strange as it seems to do mouth-to-mouth on a stranger, you may come upon a situation that requires you to perform this life saving action. However, you do need to know that when skipping mouth-to-mouth and immediately beginning chest compressions you will increase the victims chances of surviving by 25%.



CPR, or chest compressions, may also bring about a concern for the victim. Many times people worry about hurting the victim by breaking their ribs. This chance becomes more common as a person ages and becomes older and their bones are more brittle. But if a victim only has broken ribs in the end, it will be worth it! Broken ribs are nothing compared to living.

If a situation approaches and you are not able to get to the victim, you can still save try and save a life. Dial 911. By only dialing 911 the victim has a 1 in 20 chance of living with all functions intact. These functions are as life changing and often leave a person unable to do normal daily activities like walking, talking, and seeing.

It can also make a world of difference that someone has taken a CPR class and has become certified. To help celebrate the 50th anniversary of CPR, take a class and get smart about CPR and saving lives this holiday season.

The American Red Cross offers local classes to any individual interested in becoming CPR certified. Information about CPR Classes, visit the Red Cross Website or visit the American Heart Association website. It is so easy to find out where a CPR class is, just simply type in your area - it's that easy. Make a promise for 2011 that you will become CPR certified and help keep other's alive.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas and New Year from all of us at
Living for Zachary!