The Health and Safety Regulations 1981 outline how employers must create a safe working environment for their staff. The result is the development of industry-specific health and safety plans, ensuring employees are able to benefit from enhanced health and safety measures.

Despite the benefits of this piece of legislation, sudden cardiac arrest is still overlooked.

What Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden cardiac arrest happens when the electrical impulses that control the heart become irregular, causing the heart to quiver rather than beat normally. Blood is no longer being pumped to essential organs like the brain, which is subsequently starved of oxygen and begins to shut down.

Time is precious when treating a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. For every minute that passes following collapse, the victim’s chance of survival reduces by 10%. The only way to treat sudden cardiac arrest is with effective CPR and early defibrillation.

 

What Is a Defibrillator?

A defibrillator is a life-saving device that is used when a person suffers a sudden cardiac arrest. It delivers an electric shock to the victim to restore the heart back to its normal rhythm. All defibrillators have built-in safeguards to prevent them from delivering a shock that is not required.

 

Is a Defibrillator Simple to Use?

Defibrillators are designed to be used by anyone regardless of their knowledge and skill level. Every defibrillator includes audio prompts and visual cues that make the rescue process as simple as possible. Manufacturers are aware of the time-sensitive nature of a sudden cardiac arrest so clear instructions ensure effective treatment is delivered as quick as possible.

Instructions on where to place the electrode pads are included, with details on what to do if a child requires a shock from a defibrillator. Specific units include CPR feedback to ensure the most effective CPR is delivered to further increase the victim’s chance of survival.

 

Why Is It so Important That Defibrillators Are in the Workplace?

Sudden cardiac arrest can affect anyone at any time or place. The average full time worker will spend around 40 hours a week in work, making the chance of someone suffering a cardiac arrest in the workplace very high.

The ambulance response time in urban areas is 11 minutes - too late for a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. Having access to a defibrillator helps close the gap between the victim collapsing and receiving treatment. Knowing where your nearest defibrillator is located will allow you to react quickly in emergency situations. You can make your workplace heart safe with the wide range of life-saving defibrillators we have on offer to suit every budget.

defibshop are committed to equipping everyone with the skills and knowledge to save a life. Speak to one of our Product Specialists on 0161 776 7422 or fill out our Contact Form

 

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