How to Create a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan for Your Business

Caitlin-Renèe Holmes

Published:3 December 2024

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death worldwide, and timely intervention with CPR and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) significantly increases survival rates. Yet, many businesses lack a comprehensive cardiac emergency response plan.

This guide walks you through creating an effective plan that prioritises employee safety while incorporating semi-automatic AEDs, fully automatic AEDs, and CPR training to ensure your team is ready to act when it matters most.

Step 1: Assess Workplace Risks

Start by understanding your workplace’s unique risks. Consider factors such as:

Employee demographics (age and health conditions).
Workplace size and layout.
Proximity to emergency medical services.

For example, businesses with large facilities or older workforces might require multiple AEDs placed strategically to ensure quick access during an emergency. Explore AED options suitable for indoor use and community settings to meet your workplace needs.

Step 2: Choose the Right AED for Your Workplace

AEDs are essential components of any cardiac emergency response plan. Businesses must select devices that are easy to use, reliable, and appropriate for their environment.

Key considerations include:

Semi-Automatic vs. Fully Automatic AEDs: Semi-automatic AEDs require the user to press a button to deliver the shock, while fully automatic AEDs deliver the shock automatically when needed. Both options guide users with voice prompts and visual cues, making them ideal for untrained responders.
Environment Compatibility: For workplaces with high noise levels or outdoor spaces, choose AEDs with features like ambient noise detection and water resistance. Learn more about devices designed for community settings and indoor use.
Paediatric Capabilities: If your workplace serves children, ensure the AED has a paediatric mode or compatible pads for younger patients.

Step 3: Designate Response Teams

Create a team of first responders within your organisation. These individuals should:

Be trained in CPR and AED usage.
Participate in regular emergency drills to stay prepared.
Know the exact locations of all AEDs in the workplace.

By having a trained team in place, your business ensures someone is ready to act within seconds of a cardiac emergency.

Step 4: Strategically Place AEDs

The placement of AEDs is critical to their effectiveness. Follow these guidelines for optimal positioning:

Place AEDs in high-traffic and easily accessible areas, such as reception desks, break rooms, or conference halls.
Ensure AEDs are visible and marked with clear signage.
Avoid obstructed or locked storage locations.

For example, workplaces with multiple floors should have at least one AED per floor to minimise retrieval time.

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Step 5: Provide Comprehensive Training

Even the best equipment is useless if employees don’t know how to use it. Invest in training programmes to familiarise staff with CPR techniques and AED operation.

Key elements of training include:

Recognising the signs of cardiac arrest.
Performing high-quality chest compressions.
Using semi-automatic AEDs or fully automatic AEDs confidently.

Regular refresher courses ensure your team remains skilled and ready to act during emergencies.

Step 6: Implement an Emergency Communication System

In the event of a cardiac emergency, rapid communication is essential. Your plan should include:

Clear steps for notifying first responders and summoning emergency services.
A system for alerting all employees to the situation without causing panic.
Pre-assigned roles for team members, such as AED retrieval and crowd control.

Step 7: Maintain and Monitor Your Equipment

AEDs require regular maintenance to ensure they’re functional when needed. Establish a schedule for:

Checking battery and pad expiration dates.
Performing monthly self-tests on each device.
Cleaning and storing AEDs according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Explore options like semi-automatic AEDs and fully automatic AEDs that include built-in diagnostic checks for added reliability.

Step 8: Conduct Regular Drills

Rehearsing your emergency response plan helps identify gaps and improve coordination among team members. Conducting realistic scenarios with time-tracking ensures your team can respond quickly and effectively.

Step 9: Evaluate and Update the Plan

Your cardiac emergency response plan should evolve as your business grows and changes. Schedule regular reviews to ensure:

AEDs are positioned appropriately for new layouts.
Training remains up to date.
Additional equipment is purchased as needed.

A Safer Workplace Starts with Preparedness

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Without immediate action, survival rates drop by 10% for every minute defibrillation is delayed. A well-prepared workplace is a safer workplace, and having a cardiac emergency response plan ensures:

Improved employee morale and confidence.
Reduced liability and compliance with workplace safety regulations.
Enhanced ability to save lives when seconds count.

Your Business Can Make a Difference

Implementing a cardiac emergency response plan isn’t just about ticking a box; it’s about creating a culture of safety and preparedness. By equipping your workplace with AEDs and empowering your employees through training, you’re investing in the well-being of your team.

Is your workplace ready to respond to a cardiac emergency? Take the first step today by exploring Defib World’s range of AEDs, including semi-automatic AEDs, fully automatic AEDs, and devices tailored for community and indoor use.