Manufacturer and Master Distributor, Aero Healthcare, has launched an initiative to educate people about heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in the workplace. The initiative comes after data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that deaths where a heart attack was the underlying cause increased by an average of 338 deaths year on year between 2019 and 2021.The initiative, named 'Heart Health at Work', was driven by the fact that workplaces are notlegallyrequired to have automated external defibrillators (AED) on their premises in the UK, which significantly increases the likelihood of a heart-related incident being fatal. According to Aero Healthcare's Commercial Director, Oscar Palmer "The Heart Health at Work initiative is an important step towards improving workplace safety and protecting the health and wellbeing of employees in the UK. We believe that by educating people about heart attacks and SCA then we can save lives and prevent unnecessary tragedies in the workplace. The crucial part all comes down to the critical influence of an AED"The British Heart Foundation reported that there are over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests every year, with just one in ten people surviving despite medical services attempting resuscitation. Heart attacks and SCA can occur suddenly and without warning, so every second counts when it comes to saving a life. Having an AED on-site can play a significant role in saving lives.Below is essential Heart Health at Work knowledge for businesses and organizations:Know the difference between a heart attack and SCAHeart attacks and cardiac arrests are often mistaken to be the same, but this is not the case. A heart attack is caused by a blocked artery, which restricts blood flow to the heart. Symptoms can develop gradually over hours, days, or weeks and may include chest pain, lightheadedness, sweating, and pain in other areas of the body.As the name suggests, sudden cardiac arrests (SCAs) can occur suddenly and without warning. They can happen to anyone, anywhere. During an SCA, the heart stops beating which prevents blood flow to the brain and other organs, resulting in unconsciousness. Death can then occur within minutes if treatment is not administered promptly. Heart attacks can increase the risk of SCAs.Remain calm and take actionIf you suspect that someone is experiencing a heart attack then you should immediately call 999, keep the individual calm, and seek emergency medical assistance.In cases of SCA, it is vital to contact emergency medical services and begin CPR as soon as possible. This can help maintain blood and oxygen circulation throughout the body and to the brain.It is crucial to have immediate access to an AED, as it delivers a controlled energy jolt to the heart to restore normal beating. For every minute that an individual experiences cardiac arrest without receiving CPR or defibrillation, their chances of survival decrease by 10%. An AED can increase the chances of survival by up to 75%.
Help save a life with an AED
AEDs can be used by anyone as they provide simple instructions during an emergency. It is recommended that defibrillators be no more than three minutes away, however, workplaces are not legally required to have them on their premises.Quality AEDs feature unique patented technology for CPR feedback that maximizes success for sufferers and reassures users of the equipment. Commenting further, Mr. Palmeradded, "The Heart Health at Work initiative is absolutely essential. I hope that anyone reading this now understands how preparation can save someone's life. This initiative has the potential to prevent unnecessary tragedies, and we are proud to be at the forefront of the drive for a safer society."For those who take positive action and purchase defibrillators for their place of work, be sure to add it to The Circuit; an online network of registered defibrillators across the UK. Registering a defibrillator on The Circuit is essential as it ensures that the equipment is visible and available to both emergency responders and bystanders to locate and use in case of cardiac arrest or a heart attack. This makes response times significantly more effective and can potentially save lives. Having a defibrillator in a workplace is both essential and expected in the modern age. It shows that an employer has gone the extra mile and puts the well-being, safety, and overall health of their employees as a top priority. To learn more about the importance of having AEDs available or to access additional information and resources, visit the Aero Healthcare website. Categorized into General Health
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