Does Your Workplace Have an AED?

 by Susan Martin

According to the American Heart Association, sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the U.S. About 10,000 incidents of sudden cardiac arrest occur in the workplace . Using an automated external defibrillator (AED) increases survival rate by 60%, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Although there is no federal requirement that employers provide AEDs in the workplace, there are a variety of state laws that require certain facilities (schools, fitness centers, etc.) to be equipped. According to a 2012 survey of 177 metro St. Louis and central Illinois companies conducted by AAIM Employers’ Association, 42% of employers have an AED on-site. Of those that do not have an AED, only 13% indicate future plans to purchase the equipment.
Brands, features, and price tags of AEDs vary widely. Survey respondents indicate that the median price tag on work site AEDs is $1,465 and that the two most popular brands are Philips and Zoll.
What about employer liability for using the devices? In addition to the Good Samaritan legislation enacted in 2000 under the federal Cardiac Arrest Survival Act, all 50 states include AED usage as part of their Good Samaritan laws. Although laws offer a degree of protection to individuals who voluntarily provide care during an emergency situation, they are not necessarily a guarantee that someone cannot or will not sue.
Proper training is a critical component of a successful AED workplace program. AED users should be trained on the device as well as in CPR. According to the survey, the American Red Cross is the most popular choice for employee training (31%).

Susan Martin (susan.martin@aaimea.org) is member answer center coordinator for AAIM Employers’ Association, which helps Missouri and Illinois companies manage their people and processes.