How to Handle Cardiac Arrest in the Workplace

When you are at work, suddenly, someone collapses in front of you, and it’s a possible cardiac arrest. It can be terrifying. You see them unresponsive and not breathing. What can you do in such a situation when the whole office is in chaos? Everything can be controlled if you have CPR knowledge and skills.

Cardiac arrest can happen suddenly at work, and immediate action is crucial. With 10,000 cardiac arrests in workplaces each year, knowing what to do can save lives. Despite the busy environment of offices or factories, quick reactions are essential. The American Heart Association recommends First Aid, CPR, and AED training for everyone. However, many people are not trained. AHA reports that 51% don’t know where their workplace AED is, and 65% want CPR training from their employers. Since 9 in 10 cardiac arrest victims survive if they receive a shock from an AED within the first minute, being prepared is key. If you’re unsure how to act, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to handle a cardiac arrest effectively.

Steps to Take When Someone Has a Cardiac Arrest in the Workplace

When a cardiac arrest occurs in the workplace, every second counts and immediate action is required to increase the chances of survival and minimize potential complications. Knowing the proper steps to take can significantly affect the outcome. Whether you’re a manager, supervisor, or colleague, understanding how to respond effectively can help save a life. Here’s what to do if someone experiences a cardiac arrest in your workplace.

Assess the Situation Quickly

Don’t panic. Check for responsiveness: Gently tap or shake the person’s shoulders and shout your colleague’s name to see if they respond. If they don’t, you must act quickly.

Check Breathing. Look, listen, and feel for breathing by placing your ear near their mouth and nose while watching their chest. If the person is not breathing or breathing abnormally (e.g., gasping), it indicates a possible cardiac arrest. You need to assess these conditions as it determines the urgency of the subsequent actions.

Call for Help Immediately

After you find out the person is not responding, alert emergency services. Shout for someone to call 911 or the local emergency number while you start taking action. Provide the dispatcher with specific details such as the exact location, the person’s condition, and other relevant information. This information enables the emergency responders to arrive quickly and be fully prepared. And assign someone to handle the phone call while you focus on providing immediate care.

Start CPR

Begin Chest Compressions immediately. Do not delay starting CPR, as every second counts. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, between the nipples, and interlock your other hand on top. Use your body weight to push down hard and fast at about 100-200 compressions per minute at least 2 inches deep. Chest compression will help to maintain blood flow to the heart and brain until a medical professional arrives. Try to minimize interruption during chest compressions to maintain blood circulation. If needed, assess and adjust your technique and ensure you perform effective chest compressions.

Use an AED

If your workplace has an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), get it as quickly as possible. Turn on the device and follow the visual and voice prompts provided by the AED. Apply the pads and analyze. Attach the electrode pads to the person’s bare chest as directed by the AED. Place the pads correctly and ensure no one touches the person while the AED is analyzing their rhythm. If a shock is advised, the AED will instruct you to deliver it. This step can help restore a normal heart rhythm and save the person’s life.

Continue Until Help Arrives

Continue performing CPR and follow the AED’s instructions until professional medical personnel arrive. If you are alone, you may need to alternate between compressions and using the AED. Keeping up with these actions ensures that the person receives continuous support. If the person shows any signs of recovery, like regaining consciousness or normal breathing, place them in the recovery position and monitor their condition until emergency responders take over.

Communicate Clearly

While providing care, have someone else inform your boss or relevant supervisors about the emergency. Clear communication ensures that appropriate workplace actions are taken and everyone is aware of the situation. Despite the need to alert others, prioritize the immediate task of saving the person’s life. Your focus must remain on performing effective CPR and using the AED until professional help arrives.

Follow-Up

After the incident, it’s important to support your colleague and review the response thoroughly. Evaluate how the situation was managed, including the use of CPR and the AED, and identify any areas for improvement. Gather feedback from those involved to refine your emergency response plan and address any gaps. Regularly update your training and CPR certification and conduct drills to ensure everyone is prepared.

Workplace Preparedness and Training

Emergencies like cardiac arrest can take a life, and if no one in the workplace is CPR trained or if an AED is not readily available, the consequences can be dire. Such a situation can strike without warning, and being unprepared can mean the difference between life and death. Onsite training for safety and emergency preparedness can help employees with the essential skills needed to respond effectively in critical moments. By prioritizing this training, organizations CAN protect their teams and foster a secure work environment. If you own an organization or a team, ensure your staff is ready for emergencies, and help them with the skills they need by joining our onsite training programs today.

Preparedness saves lives, and Heart Start CPR can help you get your team ready. Act now to ensure a safer workplace for everyone.