Why an AED is crucial in the workplace
Nowadays an AED is available in many places, but unfortunately not everywhere. In an emergency situation it is important to have an AED at your disposal as quickly as possible, because it can greatly increase the chances of survival of someone suffering a cardiac arrest. Below we explain why it is crucial to have an AED in the workplace.
Is a company obliged to have an AED?
As an employer, you are not obliged to have a AED, but as Medisol we do recommend it. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, as an employer you must be able to provide a safe and healthy working environment for your employees. So first aid staff are trained for various emergency situations, such as fire, first aid or resuscitation. During CPR training, a first aider is also trained to use a AED.
Why as a company you should have an AED on the shop floor
Our advice: buy an AED for your shop floor to ensure you offer a safe working environment for your employees. In addition, knowledge of how to use an AED should be present within your organisation. Untrained employees can also easily use a AED, the instructions are so clear that anyone can operate the device, ensuring that the right help can be provided quickly in an emergency situation. Starting CPR early and administering a shock with an AED can double a person’s chance of survival.
If you place the AED outside in an unlocked cabinet, it will also be available to the local community, 24 hours a day, meaning you, as a company will also be contributing to a safe environment for the citizens in your neighbourhood!
Reasons for installing an AED as an organisation
If you are unsure whether to purchase an AED for your organization, the points below can persuade you to make your working environment safer with an AED:
- With an AED, you increase the chance of survival of someone suffering a cardiac arrest;
- Each year tens of thousands of people suffer a cardiac arrest, this can also happen at work;
- Anyone within the organisation can use an AED, even people without knowledge of CPR;
- The presence of an AED within the organisation makes you and your employees feel safer in the workplace.
Which an AED for an organisation?
Which an AED suits your organisation depends on several factors. Is the AED in an office building? Then a lower IP value is sufficient. Do you want to place the AED in an industrial environment? Then choose a robust AED that is dust- and water-resistant. Also consider a multilingual AED, this is useful for international companies or an environment visited by tourists.