COURSE OVERVIEW

In depth training in the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) is not currently part of either the Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW) courses. However, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) encourages training in the use of AEDs.

It is not compulsory for employers to purchase AEDs to comply with the Health and Safety (First Aid) regulations 1981. However, if your First Aid and medical needs assessment identifies an AED requirement on site, then your staff should be fully trained in its use.

AEDs are becoming more prevalent within the wider community. For example there are national strategies in place actively promoting their placement in schools, public places such as rail stations. Many workplaces have voluntarily invested in this equipment.

Evidence suggests that where an individual who suffers from a cardiac arrest and an AED has been administered and used quickly, the outcomes are far more favourable in comparison to situations where administration of an AED has been delayed until the arrival of the emergency services.

A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any time. When it does, every second matters.

Defibrillators (AEDs) are proven to save lives. They are an invaluable addition to health and safety provision for your employees.

If you already have a defibrillator within the workplace, it’s important that your employees know where it is and are comfortable and confident in its use and how to administer it to a patient safely and effectively.

WHY IS DEFIBRILLATOR TRAINING IMPORTANT?

Every year, around 100,000 people die due to sudden cardiac arrest in the UK. This makes up around 18% of deaths, making cardiac arrest one of the country’s biggest killers.

When cardiac arrests happen, AEDs – combined with CPR – give the victim the best chance of survival, increasing survival rates from 6% to 75%.

And with AED devices now mandatory in all state-funded schools in the UK, training on defibrillator use should be considered essential for any education professional.

Training employees in how use a defibrillator will make sure they are familiar with the device, so they are able to act quickly and confidently when it really counts. Crucially, employees will also learn how to do CPR, a critical part of the chain of survival.

The training carried out by EPS as an accredited organisation delivered by competent person(s) with suitable and sufficient knowledge and training along with practical medical intervention experience.

The course, a blend of theoretical and practical use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED), allows course Students the confidence to deal with a range of first aid situations and safely use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Subjects covered include managing an unresponsive casualty, CPR, using an AED on both adults and children, combining AED use with CPR.

And with AED devices now mandatory in all state-funded schools in the UK, training on defibrillator use should be considered essential for any education professional.

AED training provides individuals with medically proven knowledge that can be the difference between life and death when faced with a cardiac arrest.

The course shows you how to spot the signs of a cardiac arrest and use an AED correctly to help the victim. Knowing how to set up and operate an AED prepares you to act decisively in the critical minutes following a cardiac emergency.

Are You Aware of Your Responsibilities?

As an employer, your role extends beyond the everyday operations of the workplace. When it comes to AED training, understanding your responsibilities is crucial for creating a safe environment for your employees.

This responsibility means employers must:

• Prepare for medical emergencies such as sudden cardiac arrest.
• Train employees on the use of AEDs.
• Ensure AEDs are easily accessible within your premises.
• Make employees aware of where workplace defibrillators are located.
• Maintain AEDs in safe working order.
• What is an AED?
• Teaches what an AED is and how it can help save lives.
• Prepares trainees to respond confidently and effectively in the event of a cardiac emergency.
• Provides a comprehensive guide on using an AED alongside CPR techniques.