An AED in the workplace: what should you look out for?

An AED can save lives — provided it is well placed, maintained and your people know how to use it.

More and more companies are buying an AED. Sensible, because an AED considerably improves the chance of surviving a cardiac arrest. But an AED on the wall is not enough. In this article you can read what to look out for.

The right place

An AED must be quick to reach: ideally within a minute and a half's walk from anywhere people work. Mount it in a central, clearly visible spot and mark the location clearly with signage. Larger buildings sometimes need several AEDs.

Do not forget maintenance

An AED needs maintenance. The battery and the electrodes have an expiry date and must be replaced in time. Check the status light regularly and keep a logbook. An AED that fails at the crucial moment is a missed opportunity.

  • Place the AED centrally and clearly visible
  • Check the battery and electrodes periodically
  • Provide signage pointing to the AED
  • Register your AED with a call-out system such as HartslagNu

Make sure people can use it

An AED gives spoken instructions, but in a stressful situation it helps enormously if your staff have already held the device once. A short CPR and AED training session lowers the barrier and gives people the confidence to act.

“An AED saves no lives if nobody dares to use it or knows how it works.”

Training at BHV-Weesp

BHV-Weesp trains your staff in CPR and the use of the AED, with plenty of practice time on the manikin. That way you get the full value from your investment in the AED. We train on site in Weesp and the surrounding area, or at our place.

Bought an AED and need training? Get in touch with BHV-Weesp — we are happy to think along with you and work in Weesp and the surrounding area.

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