Why Take CPR and First Aid Training?
CPR and First Aid Training Saves Lives. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is an emergency first aid procedure performed on cardiac arrest victims to preserve brain function until any emergency medical services team arrives. Cardiac arrest is when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating unexpectedly, and stops pumping blood and oxygen to human organs, including the brain.
CPR is a form of first aid that can save lives and should be a part of basic training at the workplace for every employee. Although often not mandatory, CPR should be considered necessary certification requirements that every employee should have. Although workplace itself does not have to be dangerous, the employers are still responsible for the safety and wellbeing of their employees and should train and equip them with skills that would result in a safer working environment, should the need arise. Employers can fulfill this obligation by providing the CPR and First Aid training to their employees.
CPR Training in the Workplace
According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 cases of cardiac arrest occur each year outside of hospitals. It can happen anywhere, at home, at work, or any other place. If we are surrounded by people who have been trained in CPR and First Aid, the likelihood of survival following a cardiac arrest is significantly higher. Therefore all employers should provide CPR and First Aid training and create a safe working environment where these lifesaving skills could be used, if needed. If an employee has been trained in CPR and First Aid, as well as on how to use an AED or automated external defibrillator, this could be a deciding factor between someone living or dying if a medical emergency occurs in the workplace.
Benefits of Taking CPR Classes In the Workplace
Saving Lives: Every day approximately 1,000 Americans suffer cardiac arrest, and only 10% survive. By having employees trained in CPR and First Aid, precious lives can be saved. Having employees who know how to perform CPR, administer first aid, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) can mean the difference between life and death.
Fewer Workplace Accidents: According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 5,000 Americans die from work-related injuries each year, and many more are injured. Every year, workplace injuries cost U.S. employers about $62 billion. By providing First Aid and CPR training, employees become more aware of the potential hazards and injuries in the workplace, and become more self-conscious, and adopt risk averse behavior.
CPR and First Aid Skills Can Be Used Anywhere: CPR and First Aid training provide life-long skills that can be applied in any situation and anywhere. Whether you are at work, at home, or in a public place, you can apply the skills learned to help someone in need of CPR or First Aid. During the first aid course, you will also learn how to deal with fractures, cuts, burns, allergic reactions, insect bites and stings and strains and sprains. All of these skills can prove to be invaluable in saving lives and helping others in need.
Positive Working Environment: Any workplace, and any environment, has a potential to cause a medical emergency. When employees are trained in providing first aid, they are less stressed about any medical concerns related to the workplace, feel safer, and can concentrate better on the work task at hand. This improves overall workplace wellbeing, and creates a more creative work environment, and increases productivity.
Quicker Recovery: The sooner the CPR is administered following a cardiac arrest, the greater the chances are of survival. CPR should be started within 4 minutes after cardiac arrest. The longer the brain is deprived of blood and oxygen, the greater the chances are of irreversible brain damage and death. After 7 minutes, it is almost certain that irreversible brain damage will occur. Having employees trained in CPR and First Aid increases the likelihood of quicker CPR administration and would lead to a quicker recovery of the victim.
Employees Feel Valued: Training employees in general boosts moral in the workplace. Providing CPR and First Aid training tells the employees that the company management has the wellbeing of the employees as a priority. Providing a healthy and nurturing workplace environment makes the employees feel valued, boosts morale, increases customer satisfaction, and builds reputation of the company among customers, investors, potential employees, and the public.
In summary, CPR and First Aid training can saves lives and help make the healing and rehabilitation faster and easier for the victim and their families. Anyone can find themselves in a similar situation and being surrounded by others who are trained in providing first aid can be a life saver, until emergency medical services arrive.
It is important for employers to provide CPR and First Aid training to their employees, but it is also important that the training engaging, up to date, as well as informative, so it can provide maximum benefits to the employees. PDH STAR CPR and First Aid training has been developed with these principles in mind.
