Benefits of First Aid, CPR, and AED training to Employees

First aid is the temporary assistance an injured or unwell person needs until professional medical care can be provided. The employers’ responsibility is to keep the workplace safe for employees and ensure that designated people are trained in First Aid, CPR, and AED for immediate and appropriate care for workplace injuries or medical conditions. Studies reveal that CPR, provided on time, can triple the chances of surviving a heart attack.

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are portable, life-saving devices to treat people experiencing cardiac arrest, a medical condition in which the heart stops beating suddenly and unexpectedly. The combination of CPR and early defibrillation saves lives when used in the first few minutes following the collapse from cardiac arrest. The AED system includes accessories, such as a battery and pad electrodes, that are necessary for the AED to detect and interpret an electrocardiogram and deliver an electrical shock. The administration of these procedures needs expert training. 

Safety in Workplace

Every year, more than 350,000 instances of cardiac arrest occur outside U.S. hospitals, according to the American Heart Association. These medical emergencies can occur anywhere from private homes and business premises to public institutions, and even while commuting via car, bus or train. A company’s greatest asset is undoubtedly its employees. Employers should do everything necessary to keep their organization a happy and safe working environment. 

Investing in CPR and general first aid training for employees can be equally beneficial.

Here are a few benefits.

• Lifesaving skill

On any given day, around 1,000 Americans experience sudden cardiac arrest. According to the latest statistics released by the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, only 10 percent of these people survive. The most valuable benefit that can be gained from CPR training in the workplace is the fact that precious lives can be saved. An employee who knows how to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) can mean the difference between someone living and dying during a medical emergency. Having someone on-site to perform CPR or use an AED can keep a patient in cardiac arrest alive until professional medical personnel arrive on the scene. An onsite AED can be a valuable investment, especially if you opt for an affordable and user-friendly model that requires virtually no maintenance.

• Fewer Workplace Accidents

A decrease in workplace accidents is one of the most notable benefits of first aid and CPR training in the workplace. When employees undergo first aid training, they are also equipped with valuable knowledge that will allow them to be more watchful. This increased level of safety awareness will lead to reduced reckless behavior and greater respect for health and safety protocols. During CPR training, employees will also learn about the possible causes of cardiac arrest and its long-term impact on the body. Although the intention is to educate rather than instill fear, the automatic response is to avoid such situations at all costs.

• Positive work environment

Every work environment, whether an industrial workshop or a medium-sized office, can be a potential setting for a medical emergency. Creating a safe working environment can benefit both the organization and employees. Staff members that are permanently stressed out about potential medical concerns may find it increasingly difficult to concentrate on their tasks. However, knowing there are trained staff members on standby to perform potentially life-saving first aid does wonders for staff morale, which in turn boosts productivity as well.

Safety at Home

As a parent, you know all too well that accidents happen. Children are naturally active, curious, and fearless, which can lead to injuries and accidents. Every year, 9.2 million children go to emergency rooms for non-fatal injuries. Various situations may require CPR, like suffocation, smoke inhalation, near drownings, accidents, and poisonings. When parents take a CPR class, they take a big step in keeping their families safe.

If an emergency should arise, having knowledge of CPR and first aid allows you to act quickly and may even save a life.

• Prevent the situation from becoming worse.

In some situations, if a patient doesn’t receive basic first aid care immediately, their situation will deteriorate – often rapidly. By providing basic care, you can stabilize a patient until emergency medical services arrive. 

• It creates the confidence to care.

Having a basic knowledge of first aid, CPR, and AED means that you’ll be confident in your skills and abilities to administer CPR. Having this understanding will boost confidence, especially for parents with active and curious kids.

Safety while working alone.

One of the important things you will learn during first aid training is that you must look after yourself and ensure your own safety as a priority. It’s not being selfish –  it’s being practical. Keeping yourself safe means you are in a position to help others rather than needing help yourself. You will also learn about the importance of healthy living and how lifestyle habits and choices can increase or decrease your risks of developing problems such as coronary heart disease. Having this knowledge makes you more aware of your own health and alert to potential hazards posed by your surroundings.

If you want to learn these life-saving skills, it’s best to register for OSHA-certified training on First Aid, CPR, and AED here.