CPR and AED Awareness: Life-Saving Emergency Response
Overview
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) awareness covers life-saving techniques for cardiac emergencies, providing crucial interventions that can restore heartbeat and breathing until emergency medical services arrive.
Why This Is Important
Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time, and immediate CPR can double or triple survival chances. AEDs are designed for use by non-medical personnel and can be life-saving when combined with CPR.
Brain damage begins within 4-6 minutes without oxygen, making immediate response critical for survival and recovery.
CPR and AED Response Steps
Check Responsiveness
Tap shoulders and shout "Are you okay?" Check for normal breathing by looking for chest movement.
Call for Help
Call 911 immediately and request someone bring the nearest AED if available. Time is critical.
Begin Chest Compressions
Place heel of hand on center of chest, push hard and fast at least 2 inches deep, 100-120 compressions per minute.
Use AED if Available
Turn on AED and follow voice prompts. Don't touch patient during analysis or shock delivery.
CPR Technique
Hand Position and Compressions
- Place heel of one hand on the center of the chest between the nipples
- Place other hand on top interlacing fingers
- Keep arms straight and shoulders directly over hands
- Push hard and fast at least 2 inches deep but no more than 2.4 inches
Compression Rate and Rhythm
- 100-120 compressions per minute - about 2 per second
- Allow complete chest recoil between compressions
- Minimize interruptions - compressions are most important
- Switch rescuers every 2 minutes to prevent fatigue
Rescue Breathing (if trained)
- 30 compressions to 2 breaths ratio for adults
- Tilt head back, lift chin to open airway
- Pinch nose closed and create seal over mouth
- Give 2 breaths each lasting 1 second with visible chest rise
AED Operation
AED Setup and Use
- Turn on AED and follow voice prompts immediately
- Expose chest and ensure it’s dry
- Apply pads as shown in diagrams on the device
- Ensure no one touches patient during analysis and shock
Safety Considerations
- Clear the area before AED analyzes or delivers shock
- Don’t use on wet surfaces or in standing water
- Remove medication patches from chest before applying pads
- Continue CPR between AED cycles as directed
Workplace Preparedness
Equipment and Training
- Know AED locations in your facility and how to access them quickly
- Seek formal CPR/AED certification through recognized organizations
- Practice regularly to maintain skills and confidence
- Ensure scene safety from electrical hazards or moving equipment
Team Coordination
- Work as a team - one person performs CPR while another calls 911 and retrieves AED
- Communicate clearly with emergency dispatchers and medical personnel
- Document the event for medical professionals and incident reporting
- Provide emotional support to witnesses and family members
Discussion Questions
- Equipment Location: Where are the AEDs located in our workplace?
- Certified Personnel: Who in your work area is CPR/AED certified?
- Response Barriers: What would prevent you from attempting CPR in an emergency?
- Training Promotion: How can we encourage more employees to get CPR training?
- Emergency Equipment: What other emergency response equipment should we have available?
Remember: CPR and AED skills are among the most important life-saving techniques any worker can learn. Even without formal training, attempting CPR is better than doing nothing, and proper training builds confidence to act decisively during cardiac emergencies.