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.
Scope
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:
- Location and availability of medical facilities and emergency services.
- Availability of medical personnel to consult on occupational health issues.
- Types of accidents that could reasonably occur at the workplace.
- Response time for external emergency services.
- Number of employees at the plant and the locations of employees within the plant.
- If corrosive materials are in use at any place in the workplace.
- If there are any industry specific requirements.
- What first aid supplies should be available. This is determined in consultation with a physician.
- What level(s) of training should employees receive, and which employees should be trained.
Regulatory citations
- 29 CFR 1910.151 — Medical services and first aid
The details of a workplace medical and first aid program are dependent on the circumstances of each workplace and employer. It is the responsibility of employers to determine their requirements for medical and first aid services. For instance, paragraph (b) of 29 CFR 1910.151 requires that in the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital near the workplace, a person or persons must be adequately trained to render first aid, and adequate first aid supplies must be readily available. If there is a medical facility, infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, it is not necessary for the employer to have first aid supplies or a person or persons trained to render first aid.
OSHA recommends that CPR training be a general program element of a first aid program. The OSHA standards requiring CPR training are:
Key definitions
- Automated external defibrillator (AED): A small, self-contained electrical device, which can correct some types of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): A lifesaving technique used in emergency situations such as heart attack or near drowning, in which someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped.
Summary of requirements
The following OSHA standards require CPR training:
