The Case for AEDs in the workplacewww.billingsclinic.com/ctc

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Statistics ● Cardiovascular disease is the world’s leading cause of death.● SCA is a leading cause of death in North America. − SCA kills more people each year than breast cancer, lung cancer and AIDS combined. − 383,000 deaths each year in North America.● 13% of all workplace fatalities are due to sudden cardiac arrest.● 50% of victims have no previous symptoms of coronary heart disease.● A defibrillator is the only effective therapy for SCA. CPR alone is not enough!Heart Rhythm Foundation website, April 2008American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and FiguresCIA World Factbook-Rank Order-HIV/AIDS-deathsOSHAAHA 2013 Heart and Stroke Statistics U[date.

Why you can’t wait for help● >95% of cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital.● Waiting for EMS results in a 5-7% survival rate.● The average call-to-shock time for a “typical community” is 9 minutes.● Median response time is 6.6 minutes in midsized urban communities.● Survival rates decrease by 7-10% for every minute that passes without defibrillation.

Cost to your organization● Wage & productivity losses● Medical expenses● Administrative expenses● Management & employee time● Overtime/contract labor● Loss of experience● Training● Remediation● Legal CostsA fatality costs~$1.3 million

AED Legislation:Good Samaritan LawsGood Samaritan Laws now include AED language to encourage AED programs and protect AED users.● The federal Cardiac Arrest Survival Act (2000) provides liability protection● All 50 states and DC limit the liability of rescuers and others involved with an AED program● To date, there have been no cases reported where someone was held liable for using an AEDMontana law requires● Medical Oversight ● EMS notification● Training ● Record keeping/tracking