Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique used in emergency situations such as heart attack or near drowning, in which someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped.
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a small, self-contained electrical device, which can correct some types of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA may cause the heart to pump irregularly and ineffectively. An AED analyzes the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, instructs the user to deliver a shock to the victim. This shock, called defibrillation, may help the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm of its own. Ventricular fibrillation may be restored to normal rhythm up to 60 percent of the time if treated promptly with an AED.
AEDs are widely available, safe, effective, portable, and easy to use. Using AEDs as soon as possible after sudden cardiac arrest, within three to four minutes, can lead to a 60 percent survival rate for victims of SCA.
OSHA requires that employers provide medical and first aid personnel and supplies commensurate with the hazards of the workplace.
The employer, as stated in Appendix A to 29 CFR 1910.151, should assess the workplace for medical and first aid requirements, and then determine the type, quantity, and location of first aid supplies. This could include supplying AEDs.
Among the factors that should be considered are:
OSHA recommends that CPR training be a general program element of a first aid program. The OSHA standards requiring CPR training are:
The following OSHA standards require CPR training: