No matter how small a business, having enough AEDs on site is essential. Combined with proper training on how to use them, AEDs can make a life-saving difference for staff members and customers.
The Importance of AEDs in Small Businesses
For small businesses, having an on-site automated external defibrillator (AED) is an important sign of a commitment to both employee and customer safety. Employees and customers can also feel like their well-being is valued and protected with the knowledge that a small business has at least one on-site AED. This, in turn, creates a positive environment for everyone. Customers are happy to spend time in a business, and employees are happy to work in that office.
Having immediate access to an AED significantly increases the chance of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest, which can occur without warning. In a small business, resources tend to be limited. Investing in an AED is a proactive step toward creating a healthy and safe office space. AEDs are designed to be accessible to people who have never used one before, with clear instructions on how to turn on the device, apply the electrode pads, and trigger the defibrillation shock.
Guidelines for Number & Placement of AEDs in a Business
AEDs should be placed where they are easy to see, and can be physically reached during a sudden cardiac arrest. The more front and center an AED is placed, the better. A best practice is to put the AED kit right next to an entrance, in the lobby of a business, or wherever there will be a high concentration of people. This means there is a kit on hand in an area where there could be the highest chance of someone experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest and as many people as possible are made aware of the location of the nearest AED kit.
Every automated external defibrillator should be clearly marked with an AED sign, so it is very obvious where the kit is. Office managers can purchase dual-sided signs, with universally recognized AED symbols, so that anyone (customer or employee), regardless of lack of medical training, will know where to find an AED kit in an emergency.
An AED should not be put in a storage room or in a location that requires keys or other forms of security to access. Per guidelines from the Americans with Disabilities Act, an AED kit should not be placed more than 48 inches above the ground, and the maximum side reach to get to an AED kit, unobstructed, is 54 inches. Make sure that everyone, regardless of height, can reach the AED kit, and ensure there is nothing on the wall next to the kit that might obstruct opening it.
Anyone in an office should be able to get to an AED no more than three minutes from the time the cardiac arrest happens. Even in a small business, bosses may need more than one AED to make sure a staff member or customer can get to one without having to go too far (and then having to run back to the site of the emergency). This is especially the case if a business has employees who are working away from the location of the highest concentration of people. Those employees should not be far from an AED kit in case one of them has a heart attack.
Choosing the Best AED for a Small Business
When a boss has to choose the best automated external defibrillator for their small business, there are important things to consider. Remember that not all AEDs are the same.
As with any purchase, cost is a factor. A high-quality, reliable AED might save someone’s life. A cheap AED kit may have poor-quality parts that give out at a crucial moment.
Some models of AEDs require users to regularly replace the battery and electrodes. While this can be a good way of ensuring that the AED kit will work in an emergency, this might also be a budgetary concern. Consider checking if the manufacturer offers maintenance packages or if users are expected to prolong the life of the AED on their own.
Look for an AED kit with big visual cues and clear, simple instructions. This ensures it can be effectively and easily used in an emergency.
Regardless of what an AED device comes with, an office manager should make sure that the device they buy is certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. They should also make sure the device has good warranty and that the manufacturer offers reliable customer support.
Implementing an AED Education Program for Employees
When AEDs are in place, it is important to educate employees on how to use them. This can be started by assessing the specific needs of the business, like the number of employees, the expected in-house customer population (if applicable), the layout of the premises, and the nature of the work environment, as some environments are higher risk. Collecting this information will determine the number and placement of the AEDs. These things need to be communicated to employees in the outlined emergency response plan.
Having an emergency response plan is a key component to the successful implementation of AEDs in the office. All staff members should be invited to take training sessions that focus on recognizing the signs of cardiac arrest, how to use the AED, and other steps to take when the emergency strikes (like calling 911 and knowing other life-saving interventions, like CPR). Regular refresher courses can keep everyone’s skills sharp, and the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association can send trainers to the business to help.
It is best to appoint one person to be the program coordinator. This person will be responsible for the maintenance of the AEDs, like regularly checking the viability of the batteries and the contact pads, and ordering new ones when necessary. They may also be responsible for planning and implementing a training program.
Lastly, but perhaps most critically, a boss should make sure their employees are aware of how important the AED program is. Employees should know that their awareness of the location and the use of an AED could literally save someone’s life.
How Alsco Uniforms Can Help
At Alsco Uniforms, we understand that storing and accessing lifesaving materials is not something to take lightly. We can help an office manager determine the best number and placements of automated external defibrillators for their business and work with them to ensure that each AED is OSHA and FDA compliant. Call us today to learn more about how we can manage your AED needs.
References
What Is an Automated External Defibrillator? (2023). American Heart Association.
Automated External Defibrillators. (April 2024). University of Washington.
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. (September 2010). U.S. Department of Justice.
Essential AED Placement Locations: A Guide to Enhancing Safety and Accessibility in Public Places. (March 2024). American Hospital Supply.
Prepare for Emergencies. (August 2024). U.S. Small Business Administration.