February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on the importance of cardiovascular health. The most common type of heart disease, coronary artery disease, is the leading cause of cardiac arrest. Although most heart attacks occur at home, a significant number also happen at work.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), there are approximately 10,000 cardiac arrests in the workplace each year. In order to be prepared to respond to this type of emergency, the AHA stresses that companies address the importance of immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation with an automated external defibrillator (AED) which can more than double a victim’s chance of survival.
AEDs are portable medical devices used to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. They can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation to help the heart establish a normal rhythm.
Should Your Facility Have an AED?
The AHA strongly encourages all organizations to install one or more AEDs and implement an AED program to increase the chance of survival for people who have heart-related emergencies while at work. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also stresses the importance of readily available AEDs, and promotes their presence in the workplace.
If your facility doesn’t have an AED, American Heart Month is a great time to consider purchasing one!
Regulatory requirements regarding which facilities must have an AED vary by state, so it’s important to check state-specific regulations. For instance, Massachusetts General Laws do not specifically require an AED in private institutions except health clubs, although they are highly encouraged in many facilities by local fire departments. California’s Health and Safety Code has specific AED requirements for buildings constructed or renovated after January 1, 2017, including where they must be placed.
What Factors Should be Considered When Purchasing and Installing an AED?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires a physician’s prescription to buy most AEDs. Many vendors will include the prescription as part of the purchase. Otherwise, a prescription can be obtained from a medical doctor employed by your facility, a vendor who offers this service, or an occupational health provider.
It’s also important to make sure the AED that you’ve selected has been approved by the FDA. This website lists FDA approved AEDs. In addition to the AED itself, other supplies that will be needed include two sets of pads, a CPR pocket mask with a one-way valve, non-latex gloves, absorbent gauze or hand towel, scissors, and a razor.
AED placement is also an important consideration. They should be located in a central and visible high traffic site such as in a cafeteria or other common area. Their location should ensure a response time within 3-5 minutes. Often one AED per building floor is considered adequate.
In addition, it should be mentioned that some states, such as California and North Carolina, require that AEDs be registered with the local emergency medical services (EMS).
What Requirements Must be Met for AED Use?
AED, CPR, and first aid training should be provided in facilities with AEDs. Training requirements can vary by state. In Massachusetts, standards and guidelines of the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross must be followed. In New York, the training course must be approved by a nationally recognized organization or the State Emergency Medical Services Council.
Once installed, AEDs should be checked monthly to make sure they’re operating properly. Always consult the AED manual for inspection requirements as each model is slightly different. To help you ensure the AED is in proper working condition, the AHA has created a sample Automated External Defibrillator Maintenance Checklist. Items to inspect include verification of unobstructed access, pad (electrode) expiration date, battery and indicator light status, and confirmation that supplies are available and in good condition.
It’s also best practice, and in some states a requirement, to develop and implement a written Medical Emergency Response Plan (MERP). The content of the MERP should include procedures for AED use in the event of an emergency, information on the medical oversight provided, and the process for identifying areas for MERP improvement.
Medical oversight of the MERP is specifically required in some states including Massachusetts, California, and New York. It can be coordinated through your organization’s occupational health provider or other vendor. Oversight can also be provided by a medical doctor employed by your facility, and in some cases the local EMS or community physicians may provide this service.
For additional information on requirements for AEDs in the workplace or for assistance with your facility’s AED program, please contact us.
This blog was written by Beth Graham, Safety Partners’ Director of Quality, Research, and Training.
