Last Updated on: October 16, 2024
Table of Contents:
Cardiac emergencies can happen anywhere, including homes, businesses, public places, or even during commutes. Every year, 300,000 to 450,000 deaths occur due to cardiac arrest in the United States. This number indicates that the death toll is high and could increase in the future. Therefore, to counter these numbers, it’s important to focus on preventive measures. Lifestyle changes are necessary, but having basic knowledge of CPR would be a game changer.
Employees are a company’s most valuable asset, so employers must create a safe and happy work environment. While a strong HR department helps build a positive workplace, providing a workplace CPR class for employees is also important. Individuals who have undergone these courses would be able to handle emergencies, such as choking, severe bleeding, and heart attacks, with ease. So, keep reading to find out the top benefits of CPR training in the workplace.
CPR training is an educational program that teaches you how to respond in emergencies when someone stops breathing. The program aims to impart basic skills like chest compressions and rescue breaths. You also learn to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The training helps you act quickly and confidently in critical situations.
Various types of employee CPR classes are available to suit different needs and scenarios. You need to have a good understanding of these types so that you can make the right decision. Here’s a list of the most common types of CPR classes available:
CPR techniques vary depending on the age of the person in distress, which is why specialized classes are offered for adults, children, and infants.
CPR training can be divided into Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced CPR courses:
When choosing a CPR class, it’s important to decide whether you need a certification or simply want to learn the skills without obtaining formal recognition.
Certification classes provide a formal acknowledgement that you have completed the training and are competent in performing CPR. These classes typically include a written test and a practical exam, where you demonstrate your skills on a mannequin. Certification is often required for certain jobs, such as healthcare providers, lifeguards, and teachers. The certification is usually valid for two years, after which you’ll need to take a refresher course to maintain your credentials.
As the name suggests, non-certification classes are designed for individuals who want to learn CPR skills without the need for formal certification. These classes offer the same practical training but without the exams and official recognition. They are a good option for community groups, families, or anyone interested in learning life-saving skills without the pressure of an exam.
Read More: Be Prepared for the Unexpected: Why CPR Certification is Essential for Everyone?
Approximately 10,000 sudden cardiac arrests occur at work each year in the U.S. These unexpected events can strike without warning, leaving little time for response. Given that heart issues can arise without any prior symptoms, it’s important to equip your workplace with CPR training. Let’s explore the benefits of providing CPR in the office.
Workplace emergencies can occur without warning, and there is no specific pattern to predict what might happen. In corporate offices, employee lifestyles can increase their risk for various health issues. In the United States, nearly 120,000 deaths have been recorded among the office-going population. Common workplace emergencies include strokes and choking. Strokes can be severe and often fatal while choking, though usually easier to treat, can also be life-threatening.
Therefore, providing workplace CPR classes is essential, as they equip employees with the basic knowledge needed to respond effectively in emergencies. The list of potential emergencies goes beyond these examples, including situations like sudden seizures and traumatic injuries.
When an emergency occurs in the workplace or a public place, prompt action is essential. In cases of heart issues, CPR is crucial for preventing collapse. Depending on the severity of the discomfort, CPR must be administered immediately.
Constant compressions, along with rescue breaths, can be highly effective. CPR helps restore the heart rate and ensures that oxygenated blood reaches vital organs. This revitalizes the individual’s physiology and helps them regain consciousness. Therefore, CPR can drastically increase the chances of survival in patients who experience any cardiac or respiratory emergency.
Certain limitations exist in emergency treatment in the workplace. A major problem in workplace emergencies is that many employees don’t have the right knowledge to act quickly. Another issue is the delay in getting professional help. These challenges show why it’s so important to have employee CPR classes. Through training, employees can handle emergencies better while waiting for professional help to arrive.
Individuals who have undergone training in Basic Life Support (BLS) can handle situations very effectively. They can act as first responders, managing situations related to cardiac arrest, choking, and other emergencies. This way, trained employees become an asset in the workplace.
Employees who have received basic first aid training can act quickly on the scene. Such employees, in an emergency, are responsible for the office resuscitation efforts. They can successfully decrease the time between the initial treatment and the arrival of professional help. This is very important because if the distressed person has to wait until help arrives, it can result in fatal situations. Reducing response time ensures overall safety in the workplace.
CPR training helps workplace organizations manage their legal and regulatory responsibilities related to employee health and safety. Offering CPR training at the workplace can motivate employees to provide CPR to colleagues without fearing legal consequences. Knowing the legal obligations and how to mitigate them helps assist others during a crisis. CPR employees, after all, create a safer workplace environment.
Certain industries, like construction, require CPR training for safety and compliance with OSHA regulations. In the U.S. education sector, CPR training is often mandated for teachers and staff. This training not only ensures legal compliance but also mitigates legal risks and can lower costs by reducing insurance premiums and preventing workplace injuries.
Furthermore, employees can avoid legal expenses or fines by complying with workplace legal regulations regarding healthcare, which can ultimately save the company from financial liabilities.
Having first aid or CPR training can increase an individual’s confidence. Corporate employees who have taken a course in basic first aid skills develop a heightened intention to help the distressed. This intention grows naturally as they are equipped with the knowledge required to handle such situations. A confident mind always results in more effective treatment.
Existing workers should be encouraged to undertake courses to update their knowledge acquired during training. These courses enable them to embrace the latest medical practices within the field including changes in CPR practices or any other first aid tactics.
In CPR training at the workplace, you get to learn some of the essential life saving skills that can make a difference during the time of emergency.
The class starts by teaching you how to recognize signs of cardiac arrest, such as sudden collapse, lack of breathing, or unresponsiveness. Knowing these signs is crucial, as quick action is needed.
Next, you learn how to perform chest compressions. This is a key part of CPR. The instructor will show you how to place your hands correctly on the person’s chest and how to push down hard and fast. These compressions help keep blood flowing to vital organs when the heart stops.
You will also learn about rescue breaths. After every 30 chest compressions, you give the person two breaths, which helps to provide oxygen to their lungs. The instructor will teach you the correct way to tilt the head, lift the chin, and blow air into the mouth.
Along with the basics, CPR in the office training covers the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), which is a device used to restart a person’s heart. The instructor will show you how to attach the AED pads to the person’s chest and how to follow the instructions. The AED gives electric shocks, if needed, to try to restore a normal heartbeat.
Once you are done with the theoretical part, you will be allowed to take practicals. You will perform CPR on mannequins, which builds your confidence. This hands-on experience is crucial, as it helps you feel more prepared to act in real-life situations.
Read More: CPR Certification: Jobs in Non-Medical Roles Needing CPR Skills
When choosing a CPR class, focus on key aspects that ensure you receive effective and practical training. Here’s what to consider:
Workplace CPR training is essential, not just an option. Beyond CPR, firms should also include training on using AEDs and other advanced first aid techniques.
Employees who have these life-saving skills can make a significant difference during emergencies. This training helps create a workplace where everyone is prepared to act when it matters most.
So, If you’re thinking about getting a comprehensive workplace CPR class, don’t wait. It’s an investment in your career and the safety of those around you. Take action now and be ready to make a difference in any emergency, whether at work or elsewhere.
