2020 Construction Industry First Aid Guide

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at anytime, anywhere. Automated external defibrillators are safe and easy to use by any person, with or without training. St John SA has a broad range of models, and we can advise you on which model works best for your needs. SOLUTIONS 9

Defibrillators

Why everyworkplace should consider having an AED Increase chances of survival within the workplace • 5 out of hospital sudden cardiac arrests occur in South Australia per day 5 • Less than 10% survive 6 • Defibrillation within the first few minutes increases chances of survival to as much as 70% 7 No training required to operate • Fully automated models available • Voice prompts assist through CPR and defibrillation • Unit analyses the patient’s heart rhythm and only applies a shock when required • Self-checking units for minimal maintenance Access to an AED is particularly important for those working in electrical trades or who may be at risk of electrocution. An electric shock can be a catalyst for sudden cardiac arrest. In April 2019, a Sydney electrician was killed after suffering a cardiac arrest as a result of being electrocuted on the job 4 . 4 The Daily Telegraph 2019, ‘Sydney tradies reveal unsafe worksite practices after deaths’. Early access key to survival In the case of sudden cardiac arrest, early access, early CPR, early defibrillation and early advanced life support are critical for survival. The nature of construction sites can mean that they are not always easy for emergency services to access, therefore potentially delaying treatment. Overview Sudden cardiac arrest can affect people of all ages. The only definitive treatment is a defibrillator shock, which gives the heart a chance to restore a normal rhythm. For every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation, chances of survival decrease by 10% 3 . Therefore, having a defibrillator on-site makes a real difference in the crucial time until the ambulance arrives. 3 American Heart Association 2000, ECC Guidelines part 4: The Automated External Defibrillator.

The following model is recommended by St John SA for a range of environments.

Speedy and smart: LIFEPAK CR2 Essential

Ideal defibrillator for work sites, vehicles and offices • 8-year warranty • 4-year battery life • Fastest time to first shock

• Wi-Fi and cellular options available • IP (International Protection) Rating: 55

• Suitable for indoor and outdoor environments • Adaptive Volume Control – voice instructions adapt to cut through environmental noise • Provides clear voice prompts and CPR guidance

Def ibri l lator bundl e

ONLY $2,295

Includes: alarmed wall

cabinet, AED wall sign & CPR poster

Defibrillator also available for purchase on its own

Email: supplies@stjohnsa.com.au

SAVE ON DEFIBRILLATOR BUNDLE $500+

5 SA Ambulance Service 2018, Restart a Heart Day, retrieved from http://www.saambulance.com.au/NewsPublications/RestartaHeartDay.aspx

6 Beck et al. 2018, Regional variation in the characteristics, incidence and outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Australia and New Zealand: Results from the Aus-ROC Epistry, Resuscitation, vol. 126, pp 49-57. 7 Perkins et al. 2015, European Resuscitation Council Guidelines for Resuscitation 2015, Sec 2, Adult basic life support and automated external defibrillation, Resuscitation, vol. 95, pp. 81-99.