Corporate

What Is An AED?

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are medical devices that automatically diagnose the heart rhythm and deliver an electrical shock to "restart" the heart if it's in ventricular fibrillation, a life-threatening arrhythmia. Ventricular fibrillation is most often responsible for sudden cardiac arrest deaths. AEDs are made so that anyone should be able to use them and give life saving treatment in the event of an emergency. Training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation is an asset, but not necessary.

AEDs have a proven track record of helping save lives. Frank Pantridge created the first one in the mid 1960s and since then they have been used to treat cases of cardiac arrest and other related medical emergencies with great success; if an AED is used, victims are given a valuable amount of time to get help. 

What's more, is that AEDs in the workplace have never been more accessible than they are at present - and this makes sense. Not only does the price point make it an affordable investment for larger companies (where many heart attacks tend to occur), but the possibility of a life-saving product within your business can give employees peace of mind too.

Purchase An AED For Your Business With AED Advantage

When planning a new building, facility or office space, most people think of the typical considerations: location, layout, affordability and structure. However, one consideration that often gets overlooked is having an AED installed in the facility.

AED Advantage offers corporate offices the Corporate Kit to help workplaces keep their employees safe. Whether you're a property management firm, a small family run office, or a business location with multiple floors, AED Advantage has opportunities to buy an Automated External Defibrillator. Contact us today to speak with one of our extraordinarily knowledgeable customer service agents to learn more.

Are AEDs Required In The Workplace?

AEDs are not mandatory in most buildings and businesses across Canada, however, many workplaces have still acknowledged the importance of having a defibrillator nearby and provided one for use. By informing employees about how to administer CPR or use an AED, they greatly increase the survival rate of those suffering from cardiac arrest.

However, in 2020, the province of Ontario passed legislation (Bill 14, The Defibrillator Registration and Public Access Act, 2020) requiring the use of AEDs in general workplaces. Hopefully this will soon become the norm and more provinces nationwide will pass the same legislation. 

Does My Office Need A Defibrillator?

When it comes to workplace safety, it is important to remember that the onus is on you, the employer (or manager /supervisor) to provide a safe work environment. This means that you should be working with your employees to make sure they are comfortable in their work environment and have the necessary equipment and practices to ensure their safety.

The use of AEDs is not required under the current Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) regulations. However, employers should be aware that AEDs may be a lifesaving device they provide to their workers. As such, employers must ensure the reliability of their equipment and employees’ training on how to prope. This includes:

1. Regularly checking the condition of the AED;
2. Checking the AED electrode pads;
3. Checking all other AED accessories;
4. Maintain and cleaning the AED; and
5. Ensuring AED batteries are fully charged.

Thankfully, AED Advantage provides a complimentary service to our customers to assist with maintaining their AED units throughout the lifetime of the unit. Whether you have 1 AED or 10 on your site, AED will be there to help!