Why You Should Keep a Defibrillator at Your Business

heartbeat

Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? It beats out cancer by nearly 10-percent. Unfortunately, my mom was one of those that fell victim to cardiac arrest. In her case she was driving home from a day of shopping for graduation gifts for grandkids. I can’t help but wonder if she had been in a business that had a defibrillator at the time it happened if she wouldn’t still be here with us today.

PERSON HOLDING CHEST

According to the American Heart Association Chain of Survival, your chances of surviving cardiac arrest increase chances of survival and recovery:

  • Recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system
  • Early CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions
  • Rapid defibrillation
  • Advanced resuscitation by EMS and other healthcare providers
  • Post-cardiac arrest care
  • Recovery

ZOLL AED+

As you can see an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) is one of the key chains of survival as it analyzes the victim’s heart rhythm and determines if a shock (defibrillation) is necessary to re-establish a working rhythm. At one time, such valuable devices were only found in hospitals and emergency rescue vehicles. Fortunately, advances in technology have allowed for portable and user-friendly models to be accessible to all businesses. Many business owners are afraid of improperly using the AED, but today’s devices are accurate, safe, and user-friendly. They are designed to guide the uses with audible or visual prompts and will not deliver a shock unless it is medically necessary.

Your business is equipped with fire alarms, sprinkler systems, first-aid kits, cameras, and a whole host of other safety measures, why not include an AED? Having an AED accessible within three to five minutes from a person suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest can mean the difference between life and death. The American Heart Association estimates that more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur out of the hospital environment every year and more than 100,000 of those occur outside the home. The chances of survival doubled when bystanders stepped in to use an AED rather than waiting until emergency responders arrived.

STOPWATCH

As you can see time is of the essence when someone has cardiac arrest, which is why every business and public building should have a defibrillator on hand. Contact Fort Smith Medical & Janitorial Supply, 800.632.7886, to purchase your defibrillator to give your employees and customers peace of mind that you are willing to do everything you can to help them survive a cardiac arrest.