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Automated External Defibrillation (AED)

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Time to defibrillation is the most critical factor in survival of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). If an AED is "on-site" within two minutes there is an 80% chance that the victim will survive. This is one of the reasons that survival rates improve in areas with active AED programmes. Remember, every minute that passes before defibrillation the survival rate reduces by 7-10 percent. Currently in Ireland the survivability rate for out of hospital cardiac arrest is 1%

The provision of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in workplaces to assist in the prevention of sudden cardiac death should be considered. As mentioned in the Introduction, early defibrillation using an AED is one of the vital links in the “Chain of Survival”. Ideally, wherever there is an occupational first aider(s) in a workplace, provision of an AED should be considered. The training of other employees who are not occupational first aiders in the use of AEDs is also encouraged.

Whereas it may be practicable and desirable to have an AED in every workplace, due to cost considerations it would be unreasonable to expect all employers (especially small and medium size enterprises (SMEs)) to have one on their premises, even if there is an occupational first aider present. These costs not only include the purchase price but also the vital cost of maintenance of the equipment and regular refresher training for those trained in how to use AEDs. However, different employers at the same location, such as in shopping centres, small business enterprise centres etc., where relatively large numbers of employees or other persons are likely to be habitually present, might find it feasible to co-operate in the provision of shared equipment, training and assistance.

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