Why Every Workplace Needs an AED Response Plan: Be Prepared, Save Lives

Author: Marcy Burnham, RN

When it comes to emergencies, every second counts. One of the most critical and life-saving tools available in public and private spaces today is the Automated External Defibrillator (AED). AEDs are designed to treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), a condition that can happen to anyone, anywhere, without warning. The chances of survival decrease by 7-10% for every minute that passes without defibrillation, but with an AED response plan in place, you can save lives. 

Implementing an AED response plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming.  An AED response plan is not just about having the right equipment—it’s about preparing your team to respond quickly and confidently when it matters most. The investment in an AED and proper training are small prices to pay when it comes to saving lives.   Below are some suggestions on how you can create a response plan for your organization:

1. Purchase and Place AEDs Strategically- Make sure your AED is easily accessible. It should be located in a visible, high-traffic area where anyone can reach it quickly. Common locations include break rooms, near elevators, or main lobbies. Ensure that your organization has enough AEDs to cover large spaces—time is crucial.

2. Train Employees on AED Use and CPR- While AEDs are designed for anyone to use, training employees on how to respond in an emergency is key. Hold regular training sessions that cover basic CPR techniques and proper AED use. This training should also include recognizing the symptoms of cardiac arrest and how to act swiftly.

3. Create a Clear Chain of Response- When an emergency happens, it’s important that everyone knows who’s responsible for what. Designate individuals or teams as emergency response leads. These people should know how to operate the AED, provide CPR, and call for emergency medical services (EMS). Post emergency procedures in visible areas around the workplace.                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
4. Regularly Maintain Your AEDs- Like any life-saving equipment, AEDs require regular maintenance. Be sure to check the battery life and expiration dates on electrode pads. Schedule regular inspections to ensure the device is fully functional and ready for use.

5. Conduct Emergency Drills- Regularly practice emergency response drills to reinforce your plan. Familiarity breeds confidence, and in an emergency, you want your staff to feel empowered to act, not panicked. Run through simulated scenarios where employees need to use the AED, call 911, and perform CPR. Make sure everyone understands their role in the chain of survival.

Cardiac arrest emergencies don’t give warnings, but by putting an AED response plan in place, you ensure that when seconds count, you’re ready to act. Make your workplace or organization a safer place today by investing in an AED and empowering your team to be lifesavers. Be prepared, and you might just save a life.

Office: (205) 417-4711
Email: [email protected]

Preventing Sudden Cardiac Arrest in High School Athletes: A Vital Effort

Author: Marcy Burnham, RN

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death among high school athletes.  High-intensity sports put extra stress on young hearts, especially if athletes have undetected heart conditions. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and arrhythmias are two common causes of SCA. Unfortunately, these conditions can go unnoticed, as most young athletes appear healthy and fit.  

Statistics show that overall survival of a high school athlete surviving a SCA is 48%.  Surviving a SCA with an Athletic Trainer (performing high-quality CPR) and AED present is 85%!!! Wow!!  What a staggering comparison! While rare, its impact is devastating, making prevention crucial.  Some prevention strategies to consider:

  1. Pre-participation Screenings: A thorough medical history and physical exam are critical. Some schools include electrocardiograms (ECGs) to detect hidden heart abnormalities, though this isn’t always mandatory.
  2. CPR and AED Training: Quick response is vital in cases of SCA. Immediate CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) can save lives. Schools should ensure staff, coaches, and even students are trained in these life-saving techniques.
  3. Access to AEDs: Having AEDs readily available at all sporting events and practices is essential. These devices can shock the heart back into a normal rhythm, dramatically improving survival rates.
  4. Promote Awareness: Coaches, parents, and athletes should be aware of warning signs like fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath during exercise. Taking these symptoms seriously and seeking medical evaluation can prevent tragedies.

By focusing on early detection, proper emergency response, and increased awareness, schools can help protect high school athletes from the risks of sudden cardiac arrest. Preventive measures may seem small, but they can make a life-saving difference.

Office: (205) 417-4711
Email: [email protected]

The Legal Implications of “Do Not Resuscitate” Tattoos

Author: Marcy Burnham

A DNR order is a legal document stating that a person does not want to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if their heart stops or if they stop breathing. Traditionally, these orders are documented in medical records and often accompanied by physical forms or bracelets. However, some individuals have opted for a more permanent and visible method: tattoos.  While the intent behind these tattoos is clear—to convey the individual’s wish not to be resuscitated in the event of a medical emergency—their legal standing and the responsibilities of medical professionals in such scenarios are complex and often uncertain.

People who choose DNR tattoos may do so for several reasons:

  • They believe it offers a clear and immediate way to communicate their wishes.
  • They want to ensure that their wishes are respected even in situations where traditional documentation might not be readily accessible.
  • They seek to avoid the physical wear or loss associated with other forms of DNR documentation.

The legal implications of DNR tattoos vary widely and are often unclear:

  • In most jurisdictions, a tattoo is not legally recognized as a valid DNR order. Legally binding DNR orders usually need to be documented through specific forms signed by the patient and a physician.
  • Medical professionals who choose to follow the instruction of a DNR tattoo without proper legal documentation risk potential legal repercussions. If a patient or their family contests the decision, it could lead to legal action against the healthcare provider or institution.
  • There have been instances where the presence of a DNR tattoo has led to legal and ethical debates. For example, a case in Florida saw medical personnel honor a man’s DNR tattoo, but only after consulting with legal and ethical advisors. This case highlighted the complexities and potential for varied responses based on individual circumstances and interpretations.

Given the current legal landscape, individuals considering a DNR tattoo and healthcare providers should consider the following:

  • Individuals should ensure they have legally recognized DNR documentation in addition to any tattoo. This can include forms filed with their healthcare provider and accessible to emergency personnel.
  • It’s important for individuals to communicate their wishes with family members, healthcare proxies, and their primary healthcare providers to ensure everyone is aware of and understands their intentions.
  • Healthcare institutions should develop clear policies and training for staff on how to handle situations involving DNR tattoos. This can include protocols for seeking legal and ethical guidance in emergencies.

DNR tattoos raise significant legal and ethical questions that challenge the traditional processes of medical decision-making. While they can be a powerful expression of personal autonomy, the lack of legal recognition and the potential for misinterpretation mean that they should not be relied upon in isolation. Individuals should ensure their end-of-life wishes are documented through legally recognized means, and medical professionals must navigate these situations with careful consideration of both ethical principles and legal obligations. The conversation around DNR tattoos highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and clarity in the intersection of personal rights, medical ethics, and legal standards.

Office: (205) 417-4711
Email: [email protected]

AED and CPR Awareness Week: Saving Lives Together

Author: Marcy Burnham, RN

Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death worldwide, with over 350,000 cases occurring outside of hospitals in the United States alone each year. Immediate intervention with CPR and an AED can double or even triple the chances of survival. However, many people are still unaware of how to perform CPR or use an AED effectively. AED and CPR Awareness Week aims to bridge this knowledge gap by promoting training and encouraging more people to become lifesavers.

What is CPR?
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a critical emergency procedure that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain blood flow and oxygenation in a person whose heart has stopped beating. CPR can keep vital organs alive until professional medical help arrives, making it a crucial first response to cardiac arrest.

What is an AED?
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device designed to diagnose and treat sudden cardiac arrest. It delivers an electric shock, or defibrillation, to the heart to restore a normal rhythm. AEDs are user-friendly and provide step-by-step instructions, making them accessible to the general public.

How to Get Involved in AED and CPR Awareness Week

1. Attend a Training Session
Many organizations, including the American Heart Association and the Red Cross, offer CPR and AED training courses throughout the week. Check for local sessions in your area and encourage friends and family to join.

2. Promote Awareness on Social Media
Use your social media platforms to share information about AED and CPR Awareness Week. Post facts, statistics, and personal stories to inspire others to get trained. 

3. Host a Community Event
Organize a community event or workshop to demonstrate CPR and AED use. Partner with local health organizations, schools, or workplaces to maximize reach and impact.

4. Advocate for AED Accessibility
Advocate for the placement of AEDs in public spaces and workplaces. Contact local businesses and government officials to discuss the importance of having easily accessible AEDs.

5. Share Personal Stories
If you or someone you know has been impacted by CPR or AED use, share your story. Personal experiences can be powerful motivators for others to learn these lifesaving skills.

AED and CPR Awareness Week is a vital opportunity to spread knowledge, inspire action, and ultimately save lives. By participating in this awareness week, you can help ensure that more people are prepared to respond effectively in a cardiac emergency. Remember, every second counts, and with the right training and tools, anyone can become a lifesaver. Join us in making a difference this week and beyond!

Office: (205) 417-4711
Email: [email protected]