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Safety and Health Topics |
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| Automated
External Defibrillators (AEDs) |
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In
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Approximately 890 deaths from coronary heart disease occur outside of the
hospital or emergency room every day. Most of these deaths are due to the
sudden loss of heart function or sudden cardiac death.1 In 2001 and 2002, there were 6628 workplace fatalities reported to OSHA; 1216
from heart attack 354 from electric shock, and 267 form asphyxia. A number of
these victims, up to 60 percent, might have been saved if automated external
defibrillators (AEDs) were immediately available. Chances of survival from
sudden cardiac death diminish by 7 – 10 percent for each minute without
immediate CPR or defibrillation. After 10 minutes, resuscitation rarely
succeeds.
An AED is an electronic device designed to deliver an electric shock to a victim of
sudden cardiac arrest. Ventricular fibrillation may be restored to normal rhythm
up to 60 percent of the time if treated promptly with an AED, a procedure called
defibrillation.
This page is a product of the OSHA and the American Heart Association (AHA) and the
OSHA and American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) Alliances.
The following questions link to information relevant to
AEDs in the workplace.
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What OSHA standards apply?
Standards | Federal Registers | Directives | Standard Interpretations |
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What are AEDs and how
are they be used in the workplace? |
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How do I establish an AED program in my workplace? |
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What additional information is available?
Related Safety and Health Topics Pages | Training | More |
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