With the current situation in organizations and companies that have begun to allow employees to return to the office, one important thing that organizations need to consider is their employees' health and well-being. This is not only about a newly emerging disease but also silent health threats that can happen unexpectedly, especially heart conditions such as sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA is a silent killer that has taken countless lives each year. It can happen anytime and anywhere, including at the workplace. Being well prepared with an appropriate first aid communication plan, providing proper training on basic life support for employees, and installing life-saving equipment are essential for organizations and companies to be aware of when returning to the office since these will help minimize potential losses.
The Safety And Health At Work Promotion Association (Thailand) (SHAWPAT) joined forces with Bangkok Emergency Medical Centre (Erawan Centre) and Jia Luck Sa Co., ltd to host an exclusive panel discussion with the title of "AED: The Key to Survival of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Patients." The goal is to raise Thais' awareness of the importance of a first aid kit and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), as well as the urgent need for AEDs installation at workplaces and buildings. It also aims to encourage organizations, employees, and stakeholders to understand better about the first aid principles and the correct use of AEDs, obtain effective first aid kits including AEDs, and have efficient safety communication guidelines for basic life support for long-term use.
Dangers of sudden cardiac arrest, especially at workSudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can be found in any age-ranged. But it is more common in middle-aged adults between 30-40 years. It is found twice in men compared to women. SCA is caused by a sudden loss of heart function when the heart cannot adequately pump oxygenated blood to the body, and a lethal cardiac rhythm is present. Mr. Komchit Chawanassaporn, MD., a lecturer at SHAWPAT and Bangkok Emergency Medical Centre (Erawan Centre), added that SCA at the workplace is a time-critical situation where the patient requires immediate treatment by performing CPR and the use of AED when necessary. If treated correctly within 3-5 minutes, it will increase the chance of the patient's survival. However, if the patient has to wait a long time, it will lower the chance of survival as various organs will lack blood supply for too long. Therefore, if the patient receives first aid promptly, the survival rate from sudden cardiac arrest can be increased.
Chain of survival: a key practice of basic life supportThe first aid based on the "chain of survival" practice and basic life support for sudden cardiac arrest patients with AEDs is the crucial step that everyone must know, especially employees in the workplace. According to Thailand's National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEM), when SCA occurs, there are specific steps that we must follow to maximize the chances of survival from SCA, which is the "Chain of Survival." These include early access - Call 1669 for emergency support; early CPR - an emphasis on chest compressions. Push straight down about 2 inches on the chest. Push hard at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute; early Defibrillation - in a case where CPR alone doesn't work, AED is vital. Apply the AED electrode pads onto the victim's bare chest and follow the prompts as instructed. Wait for the AED to analyze the victim's heart rhythm automatically. Then, if the AED suggests the patient requires a shock, no one must touch the victim while pressing the 'shock' button on the AED. When completed, continue to give the chest compressions; early ACLS - advanced resuscitation by Emergency Medical Services and other healthcare providers; and integrated post-cardiac arrest care - care of the patient after the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) requires close attention to oxygenation, blood pressure control, etc.
AEDs: The key to the survival of sudden cardiac arrest patients at the workplaceAn AED is an essential life-saving device in first aid procedures because it can improve survival rates in patients with sudden cardiac arrest. The NIEM has issued an announcement designating the AED as another vital step of the first aid for initiating life-saving actions or helping patients with sudden cardiac arrest while waiting for medical practice from a professional or medical assistant at the scene and while transporting emergency patients. This means everyone can use an AED, but we must have the proper knowledge to assist patients correctly and effectively with CPR by giving chest compressions and artificial ventilation. Employees, therefore, are allowed to help other employees. This requires training in CPR and proper use of the AED.
Mr. Somchai Saejia from Jia Luck Sa Co.,ltd, a leading distributor of medical equipment and AEDs in Thailand, commented on the standards and specifications of AEDs that the NIEM has imposed, which are essential for effective basic life support. AEDs must be automatic or semi-automatic and has a button for releasing electrical energy. AEDs must also be certified with proper standards following Thai law on medical devices.
In addition, the location and number of AEDs to be installed are equally important. The AED location must be accessible so that everyone can easily reach and use it to help a sudden cardiac arrest patient within 4 minutes. The AEDs should be installed in an easily noticeable spot, visible even in the dark, and at a safe location with no more than 1.5 meters high from the floor. There should also be a cabinet or wall-hung storage for AEDs, a universal mark symbol at the installation point, with clear emergency rescue procedures. There should also be signposts directing you to where the AEDs are installed.
Effective workplace safety communication guidelines and first aid training for employeesOrganizations are urged to have practical workplace safety communication guidelines and should provide basic life support training for employees in an emergency. These practices can help build a safer work environment and improve their employees' safety and well-being, especially in the situation of sudden cardiac arrest. It will help to prevent any potential losses. The company's safety communication guidelines can consist of a training program where employees and staff are regularly and properly trained to perform CPR and use AED safely and correctly. Essential emergency drills and exercises should also be conducted. More importantly, AEDs should be well installed as one of the necessary tools in the company's first aid kit. Furthermore, it is crucial to check the AEDs regularly for good maintenance so that the AEDs are ready to use at all times.