CPR, First Aid, Fire Safety and Safety Training

Sudden injuries or illnesses, some of which may be life-threatening, occur at work. The OSHA

First Aid Standard (29 CFR 1910.151) requires trained first-aid providers at all workplaces of any size if there is no “infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees.” The other point that must be taken into account, is the response time of local emergency units, even if you are in close proximity to a hospital.

First-aid responders may have long intervals between learning and using CPR and AED skills. Numerous studies have shown a retention rate of 6-12 months of these critical skills. The American Heart Association’s Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee encourages skills review and practice sessions at least every 6 months for CPR and AED skills. Instructor-led retraining for life-threatening emergencies should occur at least annually. Retraining for non-life-threatening response should occur periodically.

Sudden cardiac arrest is a potential risk at all worksites, regardless of the type of work. Serious consideration should be given to establishing a workplace AED program. First-aid supplies must be available in adequate quantities and be readily accessible. First-aid training courses should include instruction in general and workplace hazard-specificknowledge and skills. CPR training should incorporate AED training if an AED is available at the worksite. First-aid training should be repeated periodically.