AEDs Save Lives: Why Your Business Should Be Prepared

You may have seen an AED mounted on the wall at a school, gym, church, airport, fire station, or workplace.

But would you know what to do if you suddenly needed to use one?

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is designed to help someone experiencing certain life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms associated with sudden cardiac arrest.

Having an AED available—and people trained to use it—can be an important part of emergency preparedness.

What Happens During Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops effectively pumping blood.

A person experiencing cardiac arrest may suddenly collapse, become unresponsive, and not breathe normally.

This is an emergency.

Someone should immediately activate emergency medical services, begin CPR when appropriate, and retrieve an AED if one is available.

What Does an AED Do?

An AED analyzes the person's heart rhythm and determines whether a shock is advised.

Modern AEDs provide voice and/or visual instructions that guide rescuers through the process.

The device will not simply deliver a shock every time it is turned on. It analyzes the rhythm first and advises a shock only when appropriate.

Why Businesses Should Consider an AED

An emergency can happen to an employee, customer, contractor, or visitor.

Businesses should consider several factors when evaluating AED preparedness, including:

• Number of employees and visitors

• Size and layout of the facility

• Response time for emergency medical services

• Location and accessibility of existing AEDs

• Employee CPR/AED training

• AED inspection and maintenance procedures

Simply purchasing an AED isn't the end of the process. Organizations should also have a plan for maintaining the device and preparing employees to respond.

Training Makes the Difference

During an emergency, preparation matters.

CPR and AED training gives participants an opportunity to practice recognizing cardiac arrest, performing high-quality CPR, operating an AED, and working through an emergency response scenario.

The goal is simple: Be prepared before you're needed.

Bush Services, LLC provides CPR, AED, First Aid, BLS, and additional safety and medical training for individuals, businesses, and organizations.

Bush Services, LLC | Colin Bush, Owner

Safety • Medical • Training

Be Prepared. Be Trained. Be Ready to Respond