My AED Just Arrived, Now What?

You go, AED owner! Whether you’ve purchased a Philips HeartStart OnSite AED for home use or you’re implementing a company-wide AED program, you’re probably wondering what’s next. 

So let’s make sure that you’re following AED best practices to ensure that you’re getting the maximum benefit from your AEDs. 

Step 1: Find the perfect spot for your AED

Are Your AEDs in plain sight? If you’ve purchased and AED you’ll want to make sure that would-be rescuers know where the life-saving device is located. Get this: more than half of the employees surveyed by the American Heart Association (AHA) cannot locate an AED at work?

Knowledge is power and timing is everything when it comes to using an AED and administering CPR. For every minute that passes without CPR or defibrillation, the chances of survival decrease by 7-10% (AHA)! 

By keeping your AED in a visible and accessible location, bystanders are more likely to respond in a timely fashion. And you know what? Specialized AED wall cabinets and signage also helps a ton!

For more information, check out Finding the Best Location for Your AED. In the meantime, here are a few additional OSHArecommendations for optimal AED placement:

• Areas where many people work closely together, such as assembly lines and office buildings.

• Areas where electric-powered devices are used.

• Outdoor worksites where lightning may occur.

• Health units where workers may seek treatment for heart attack symptoms.

• Company fitness units and cafeterias.

• Remote sites, such as offshore drilling rigs, construction projects, marine vessels, power transmission lines, and energy pipelines.

Step 2: Are your employees or potential rescuers well-trained and ready?

Now that your AED has just arrived and you have found the perfect spot, it’s time to make sure that your friends, family members, coworkers, and community members know how to use it. 

Believe it or not, the AHA reports that more than 50% of employees in the United States cannot get first aid or CPR and AED training from their employer. Yet more than 90% of the employees said they would take employer-sponsored CPR and first aid training courses. 

Build confidence, minimize liability, and save lives. Enroll your team in CPR, First Aid, and AED courses today! 

Step 3: Are you ready to keep your AEDs in compliance?

Out-of-compliance AEDs may not be rescue ready and they may open your company up for lawsuits. We highly recommend keeping your AEDs in good working order with the Cardio Partners LifeShield Compliance Management System and preventative maintenance program. 

AED Compliance Management Systems are the easiest and safest way to make sure that your equipment is up-to-date and are ready to save lives. 

For more helpful tips, check out 5 Tips for AED Program Management.

Again, congrats on your new AED! And if you haven’t taken the plunge yet and you’re still thinking about purchasing an AED, we recommend downloading our free AED Starter’s Guide today or take a moment to read our post, Which AED is Right for You? 

For an AED consultation or to more about AED best practices, our AED and defibrillator service and preventative maintenanceprograms, or LifeShield, our online compliance management program, contact Cardio Partners at 800-544-0004 or email us at customerservice@cardiopartners.com.