CPR training can be a lifesaving skill when used properly at work.
Every year, more than 350,000 instances of cardiac arrest occur outside U.S. hospitals, according to the American Heart Association. These medical emergencies can occur anywhere from private homes and business premises to public institutions, and even while commuting via car, bus or train. A company’s greatest asset is undoubtedly its employees. This is why employers need to do everything in their power to create a happy and safe working environment. While having an efficient human resources department will undoubtedly contribute towards a constructive workplace, investing in CPR and general first aid training for employees can be equally as beneficial. Indeed, there are numerous benefits to providing emergency training to the workforce.
It’s a Lifesaving Skill
On any given day, approximately 1,000 Americans experience sudden cardiac arrest. According to the latest statistics released by the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, only 10 percent of these people survive. The most valuable benefit that can be gained from CPR training in the workplace is the fact that precious lives can be saved. An employee who knows how to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) can mean the difference between someone living and dying during a medical emergency. Having someone on-site to perform CPR or use an AED can keep a patient in cardiac arrest alive until professional medical personnel arrives on the scene. An onsite AED can actually turn out to be a great investment, especially if you opt for an affordable and user-friendly model that requires virtually no maintenance.
1.) Fewer Workplace Accidents
Each year, more than 5,000 Americans die from work-related injuries, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, injuries in the workplace cost U.S. companies about $62 billion every year. A decrease in workplace accidents is one of the most notable benefits of first aid and CPR training in the workplace. When employees undergo first aid training, they are also equipped with valuable knowledge that will allow them to be more safety-conscious. This increased level of safety awareness will lead to reduced reckless behavior and a greater respect for health and safety protocol. During CPR training, employees will also learn about the possible causes of cardiac arrest and the long-term impact it may have on the body. Although the intention is to educate rather than to instill fear, the automatic response is to avoid such situations at all costs.
2.) CPR Skills Can Be Used Anywhere
CPR training will never be exclusive to the workplace. In fact, training employees to perform CPR and use an AED provides them with a life-long skill that can be used regardless of where they find themselves in life. When they embark on a first aid course, they will also learn a host of other vital techniques, including dealing with fractures, cuts, burns, allergic reactions, insect bites and stings and strains and sprains. All of these skills can be of great value should an emergency situation arise at work, at home or in public. Even if an employee does not show a keen interest in acquiring even rudimental first aid skills, they will undoubtedly be glad they have them once an emergency situation arises. CPR abilities can also be utilized anywhere in the world, making it a very handy skill to have for employees traveling for both business and leisurely purposes.
3.) Creates a More Positive Working Environment
Every working environment, whether it is an industrial workshop or a medium-sized office, has the potential to be the setting of a medical emergency. Creating a safe working environment can benefit both the organization and employees in numerous ways. Staff members that are permanently stressed out about potential medical concerns may find it increasingly difficult to concentrate on their tasks. However, just knowing there are trained staff members on standby to perform potentially life-saving first aid does wonders for staff morale, which in turn boosts productivity as well.
4.) Patients Recover Faster
The sooner CPR is administered after cardiac arrest sets in, the greater chance the patient has to recover. If a patient receives CPR immediately after going into cardiac arrest, chances of survival increases exponentially, while the toll the trauma takes on the body is also considerably less. The longer a patient remains in cardiac arrest, the greater the risk of permanent damage to vital organs is. In order for the tissues in the body to stay alive, oxygen-rich blood needs to be circulated through the body. Approximately four minutes after blood flow stops, the brain can become damaged. Irreversible damage can occur when there has been no blood flow for more than seven minutes. In order to give a patient the best possible chance at recovery, CPR has to be commenced within four minutes of a person going into cardiac arrest. Having someone in the workplace that can perform CPR makes this possible.
5.) Employees Feel Valued
Employees who feel valued by their employers will be considerably more willing to give their best to the organization than those who feel unappreciated. In fact, feeling underappreciated is one of the top reasons employees want to resign from their jobs, according to Business Insider. Thankfully, there are many ways in which an employer can show their appreciation for their workforce. One of the most effective ways is by making the health and wellbeing of the staff a priority. By providing first aid and CPR training to staff, an organization shows that it cares about the wellbeing of its employees. Apart from employees feeling valued, the organization itself can also benefit from being proactive in terms of first aid training. It will, for instance, earn a good reputation among customers, investors and the general public for its hands-on approach to corporate responsibility.
CPR is a valuable skill to have in the workplace. Even if the need to use it never arises, it will put the minds of the workforce at ease to know that there is someone nearby who can perform potentially lifesaving first aid.
