Office Space: How Accessible Are Your AEDs?

If so, great. But does your office have more than one? Depending on the size of your office, multiple AEDs may very well be a necessity. Did you know that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has developed guidelines for AED placement in work environments? These recommendations include:

• AEDs should be conveniently installed to ensure response within 3-5 minutes.
• 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 off-shore drilling rigs, construction projects, marine vessels, power transmission lines, and energy pipe lines.

So whether you work in a traditional office setting housed in a multiple story building or in an outdoor environment like a construction site, make sure you are aware of the AED closest to you. If necessary, speak with your supervisor about how your company can improve access to AEDs and CPR/AED training.

You may want to share with them the story of Ken Esmark, a WebMD employee who suffered cardiac arrest while on the 21st floor of the company’s headquarters in Atlanta. Fortunately, there was an AED on that floor, and Esmark’s colleagues were able to help revive him. His chances for survival would have plummeted without the presence of an AED on such a high floor. We hope your company follows WebMD’s lead by implementing such a thorough AED program.

At AED.com, we are happy to work with your company to select the best AEDs for your needs. Along with our AED management partner, En-Pro, we can help you determine the proper placement throughout your office. Don’t be shy about bringing this issue to the attention of the decision makers in your company. You never know when cardiac arrest could strike you, a co-worker, or a client.