How Building Site Defibrillators Could Potentially Save Lives

Every single workplace out there, no matter what it may be, will have hazards and dangers in some form or another. Even fluffy pillow factories can be potentially dangerous, though statistically, you are far more at risk if you work on a building site than if you work at a fluffy pillow-making factory. Builders and manual labourers are constantly at risk from all kinds of potential hazards, including electricity, hazardous materials, heavy machinery, trenching accidents, excavation machine accidents, and much more besides. Now, over the years, health and safety on building sites has increased exponentially, but even so, there are still risks all around, no matter how careful you are. As building sites are so dangerous, additional protection is provided for the workers and everybody on site. One resource which can, and has, saved lives, is an AED, or an Automated External Defibrillator. Here’s a look at how building site AEDs can potentially save lives.

What are AEDs and why are they so important?

On site, if an individual was to suffer what is known as a sudden cardiac arrest, each and every single second that passes will be vital. With every second that passes by, if they aren’t receiving some form of treatment, their chances of surviving will be reduced. As things stand, a person stands less than a 9% chance of surviving a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, whereas if they are treated with an AED, their chances of surviving jump dramatically up to 74%. An AED is a portable heart defibrillator that is designed to be used on individuals that have suffered a cardiac arrest. The device provides an electric shock which shocks the heart and causes it to hopefully begin regularly beating once again. Best of all is the fact that, unlike other safety precautions, individuals require no formal training to use one, as they are so simple to use.

Why are they needed on building sites?

Builders and manual labourers engage in a lot of physical activity and exertion on a regular basis, which can put a strain on the heart. Though physical exercise can be beneficial, sometimes the heart will simply be placed under too much strain. Sadly, most UK building sites do not have an AED on site. Building sites are tricky to access, as they are often muddy, located in secluded spots, and may require workers to be placed in high buildings, or under the ground. As you can imagine, getting an ambulance to somebody located at the top of a tall building on a muddy building site would take an age, and if they had suffered a cardiac event, they would be at risk without treatment. With AEDs however, these devices are portable and can easily be transported to different locations, in a matter of seconds. Any person on site can use an AED, as the device will monitor the patient’s heart rhythm, and if necessary, will administer an electric shock to hopefully bring the heart back to normal. In short, all building sites, and, all workplaces for that matter, should have at least one AED on site, as they are simple to use, very effective, convenient, and they save lives!