Why a defibrillator is crucial in the workplace
Nowadays a defibrillator is available in many places, but unfortunately not everywhere. In an emergency situation it is important to have a defibrillator at your disposal as quickly as possible, because it can greatly increase the chances of survival of someone suffering a cardiac arrest. Below we explain why it is crucial to have a defibrillator in the workplace.
Is a company obliged to have a defibrillator?
As an employer, you are not obliged to have a defibrillator, but as Medisol we do recommend it. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, as an employer you must be able to provide a safe and healthy working environment for your employees. So first aid staff are trained for various emergency situations, such as fire, first aid or resuscitation. During CPR training, a first aider is also trained to use a defibrillator.
Why as a company you should have a defibrillator on the shop floor
Our advice: buy a defibrillator for your shop floor to ensure you offer a safe working environment for your employees. In addition, knowledge of how to use a defibrillator should be present within your organisation. Untrained employees can also easily use a defibrillator, the instructions are so clear that anyone can operate the device, ensuring that the right help can be provided quickly in an emergency situation. Starting CPR early and administering a shock with a defibrillator can double a person’s chance of survival.
If you place the defibrillator outside in an unlocked cabinet, it will also be available to the local community, 24 hours a day, meaning you, as a company will also be contributing to a safe environment for the citizens in your neighbourhood!
Reasons for installing a defibrillator as an organisation
If you are unsure whether to purchase a defibrillator for your organization, the points below can persuade you to make your working environment safer with a defibrillator:
- With a defibrillator, you increase the chance of survival of someone suffering a cardiac arrest;
- Each year tens of thousands of people suffer a cardiac arrest, this can also happen at work;
- Anyone within the organisation can use a defibrillator, even people without knowledge of CPR;
- The presence of a defibrillator within the organisation makes you and your employees feel safer in the workplace.
Which a defibrillator for an organisation?
Which a defibrillator suits your organisation depends on several factors. Is the defibrillator in an office building? Then a lower IP value is sufficient. Do you want to place the defibrillator in an industrial environment? Then choose a robust defibrillator that is dust- and water-resistant. Also consider a multilingual defibrillator, this is useful for international companies or an environment visited by tourists.