Imagine being at work during one of your breaks. Without warning, one of your co-workers suddenly falls to the floor while clutching his chest. It is apparent he is suffering from sudden cardiac arrest. What would you do? If you knew CPR and had access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) you would be in a good position to save that co-worker’s life.
Perhaps you have not had any such experiences at work. Nonetheless, sudden cardiac arrest is a very real occurrence – and one that kills. According to the Arrhythmia Alliance, sudden cardiac arrest kills 100,000 people in the UK every year. That is more than breast cancer, lung cancer, and AIDS combined.
The statistics alone demonstrate why it’s so important to raise awareness about defibrillators for local businesses. Every UK business should invest in at least one AED. Larger companies with more workers and more floor space should seriously consider investing in multiple devices.
Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack
Understanding the benefits of AEDs at work begins with understanding the difference between cardiac arrest and heart attack. Despite what many people think, they are not one and the same. Of the two, sudden cardiac arrest constitutes a more serious emergency.
Sudden cardiac arrest, or simply cardiac arrest if you prefer, is an emergency situation in which the heart stops beating. It leads to death within minutes if the heart is not resuscitated. Furthermore, the Arrhythmia Alliance says the chances of survival drop between 7-10% for every minute that passes without the heart restarting.
A heart attack is a condition in which blood flow to the heart is either reduced or entirely blocked. A lack of blood causes heart tissue to begin dying. Heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest if not addressed properly and quickly. However, any resulting cardiac arrest might not be immediate. The patient could display symptoms of heart attack for hours before cardiac arrest occurs.
The Arrhythmia Alliance describes sudden cardiac arrest as an ‘electrical problem’ while a heart attack is a ‘plumbing problem’. The illustration is simple enough. At any rate, defibrillation is the only way to restart a stopped heart. There is no getting around that fact.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack at Work
There are no hard and fast numbers detailing just how many heart attacks and episodes of sudden cardiac arrest occur in the workplace. However, we do know many of the key workplace factors that can contribute to the onset of heart disease. Address them and it stands to reason that we could reduce the number of heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest incidents occurring on the job.
The government’s Fit for Work initiative mentions four key factors: toxic substances, physical hazards. psychological influences and sedentary work Lifestyle factors also play a key role here. For example, workers who do not get much exercise and have poor eating habits are more likely to develop coronary heart disease. Smoking is another big one. Local businesses can help by addressing workplace factors and simultaneously encouraging employees to take better care of their health.
When Cardiac Arrest Does Occur
Trying to ward off coronary heart disease before it occurs is obviously a wise strategy. Yet even the most proactive strategies will never completely eliminate sudden cardiac arrest. This is where the AED comes into play. An AED is a truly life-saving device during a sudden cardiac arrest event.
An AED is a compact but powerful piece of technology that delivers controlled electrical shocks to a patient suffering from cardiac arrest. When used in conjunction with CPR, 50% of sudden cardiac arrest patients survive. Only 9% survive without CPR and defibrillation. The disparity in numbers demonstrates just how important it is for businesses to acquire their own AEDs.
Most important is the fact that AEDs can be used without any formal training. Workers do not have to be trained in CPR or first aid to save a life. If they know CPR, it certainly does help. However, an AED is an automated device that works by itself; it only requires someone to attach electrodes and turn the machine on.
When cardiac arrest does occur, it is imperative that someone calls emergency services immediately. In the meantime, someone else can go in search of an AED while another person begins CPR. Once located, the AED can be deployed in mere seconds. You simply open the case, attach the electrodes as outlined in the instructions, and turn the machine on. It does the rest.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Can Strike Anyone
A good way to close this post is to remind readers that sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone. While those suffering from coronary heart disease are more likely to experience cardiac arrest, even patients with healthy hearts can be victimised by sudden cardiac arrest. It can strike anyone, anywhere and at any time.
The reality of sudden cardiac arrest dictates the need for defibrillators in as many public places as possible. That includes the workplace. Owners of local businesses should seriously consider obtaining at least one AED to be stored with the rest of the company’s first aid supplies. Not doing so makes no sense.