Here’s one relatively inexpensive addition to your workplace wellness program that can really save lives—those of your colleagues, and maybe even your own: the AED.

What Is an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?

An AED is a medical device designed to analyze heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to victims of ventricular fibrillation to restore the heart function to normal. This is called defibrillation, and is the only known treatment for ventricular fibrillation.

It’s important to note that defibrillation is just one part of the treatment that also includes calling for emergency medical assistance, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and for the administration of medications and other life support measures.

AED Success Stories

When Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway Airports installed AEDs, 14 cardiac arrests occurred in the first 10 months, and 9 of the 14 victims (64 percent) survived. Here are a few of the many other AED success stories:

  • A 41-year-old manufacturing worker was revived in 4 minutes after three shocks with an AED followed by CPR.
  • A 62-year-old office worker suffered a sudden cardiac arrest after walking up the stairs. She was defibrillated and saved in less than 2 minutes.
  • An employee at an automobile manufacturing plant was working on the production line when he suddenly collapsed, lost consciousness, and stopped breathing. After two shocks with an AED, the employee’s heart responded, his pulse returned, and he survived.
  • A 30-year-old construction worker was electrocuted when a pipe he was holding contacted a high-voltage line. He was resuscitated with a combination of defibrillation and CPR.

An estimated 300,000 to 400,000 people die each year due to sudden cardiac arrest; and, no surprise, many of those deaths happen at work. The good news is that automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can save many of these lives when used swiftly and effectively by properly trained employees.

What Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when ventricular fibrillation (a heart arrhythmia that prevents effective pumping) takes place or when the heart stops beating altogether. Without medical attention, the victim collapses, loses consciousness, becomes unresponsive, and dies.

Many victims have no prior history of heart disease and are stricken without warning. Causes of sudden cardiac arrest include:

  • Heart attack (caused by the victim’s physical condition)
  • Electrocution
  • Asphyxiation (loss of consciousness and death caused by inadequate oxygen in the work environment, such as in a confined space)

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Why Are AEDs Particularly Important in the Workplace?

Survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are only about 5 percent. This low rate is primarily due to how long it takes to get treatment to the victim. The sooner defibrillation is started, the more likely the victim will survive.

OSHA says that immediate use of an AED can result in a 90 percent survival rate. With each minute of delay, however, nearly 10 percent fewer survive.

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Unfortunately, quick EMS response is not always possible. Even the best EMS teams experience delays from heavy traffic, secured buildings, large complexes, and high-rises. The national average response time is 10 to 12 minutes. So even the fastest EMS responders often cannot get there in the first 3 to 5 minutes, when the chance of successful defibrillation is the greatest.

As a result, the American Heart Association strongly encourages large businesses and public facilities to establish AED programs to increase the chances of survival for people with heart-related emergencies—including, perhaps, your own.

In tomorrow’s Advisor, we’ll look at AED training and legal issues, and we’ll get an introduction to a wellness program guide that will whip your wellness program into shape. (Many wellness programs show an ROI of 200 or 300 percent.)

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