Approximately 10,000 cardiac arrests occur at work each year in the U.S. Studies show that while many workplaces have disaster preparedness and active shooter plans, very few have cardiac emergency plans.

Any cardiac emergency plan should include an automated external defibrillator (AED), according to the American Heart Association.

Below are nine reasons why:

1. Onsite AEDs save precious treatment time, and can improve survival odds because they can be used before emergency medical service (EMS) personnel arrive.
2. A heart rhythm in ventricular fibrillation may only be restored to normal by an electric shock.
3. The AED is compact, lightweight, portable, battery operated, safe, and easy to use.
4. Modern AEDs won't allow you to shock a victim that has a heartbeat, reducing the risk of doing more harm and reasons for people not to step in and help.
5. These devices have a proven track record of helping to save lives in public places as well as in the workplace.
6. Placing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the workplace, along with providing a proper management system and training for employees on how to use the devices, can mean the difference between life and death.
7. Of the sudden cardiac arrest deaths that occur each year, more than 95 percent of the victims die before they reach the hospital.
8. When care is provided within five to seven minutes, including early treatment with an AED, survival rates can improve dramatically.
9. Using a defibrillator on an individual in cardiac arrest increases his survival rate by 60 percent, according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

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