Is an AED in your company's future?

Each year, more than 350,000 Americans die from sudden cardiac arrest. The American Heart Association estimates that at least 100,000 victims could be saved each year with prompt use of AEDs, or automated external defibrillators. In March, the American Red Cross announced an initiative with 2 major manufacturers of AEDs to include AED training as part of standard CPR training courses for businesses. At least 3 concern employers considering whether to add an AED to their first-aid supplies: 1. Is there any legal reason why an AED may not be used by nonmedical workplace responders? 2. What is an employer's potential liability when an AED is acquired or used? 3. What company implementation procedures need to be created or adjusted in order to use an AED? Answers are provided to each of these questions.