• AEDs are not required to be included in first-aid supplies.
• OSHA recommends employers consider AED equipment as part of a medical and first-aid program.
• If it is reasonably anticipated that employees will be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials while using first-aid supplies, employers are required to provide appropriate PPE.

Automated external defibrillators (AED) are not required to be included in first-aid supplies; however, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends employers consider the equipment as part of a medical and first-aid program. All worksites are potential candidates for AED programs because of the possibility of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and the need for timely defibrillation. Each workplace must make a determination based upon its own requirements.

AEDs provide the critical and necessary treatment for SCA caused by ventricular fibrillation, the uncoordinated beating of the heart leading to collapse and death. Using AEDs as soon as possible after SCA, within 3-4 minutes, can lead to a 60% survival rate among victims of SCA.

PPE

If it is reasonably anticipated that employees will be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials while using first-aid supplies, employers are required to provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).