In dozens of Australian businesses every year, there are cases where an employee, member of the public or visitor to the business suffers what is colloqially known as a 'heart attack', yet there is no current Australian legislation that demands the use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) in the workplace.

That said, changes to first aid guidelines over the past few years suggest an AED should be included in the standard emergency plan of Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, CPR and Defibrillation (DRABCD). The guidelines also support the introduction of AEDs into public access locations and workplaces.

Where an employer elects to have an AED in the workplace, the guidelines say they should ensure that:

• The AED is located in a clearly visible location (for example, a main reception or foyer area).

• The AED is accessible to all employees and other persons within the workplace.

• There is clear signage in the workplace which identifies the location of the AED.

• Regular maintenance inspection procedures are established to ensure the AED is operational and the pads are not out of date.

Many companies now contract a managed first aid service provider such as Alsco (www.alscotraining.com.au) to ensure their in-house First Aider staff are trained to use all first aid equipment including AEDs.

Alsco has an AED training unit that covers the competency required to operate an AED in an emergency. It complies with Australian Resuscitation Guidelines for use of an AED and State and Territory Standards.

Course content:

• Chain of survival

• Assessing the situation

• Signs of life

• Correct procedure for pad placement

• Following the voice prompts

• Shocking the casualty

• Replacing the pad cartridge

• Checking battery life

• Reporting procedures

The prerequisite for this two-hour course is current CPR Statement of Attainment (achieved within the last 12 months) and the current industry standard is for the course to be updated every 12 months. Participant assessment is ongoing through demonstration of practical skills and on successful completion of the course, participants receive a Statement of Attainment for the nationally recognised unit of competency from the Public Safety Training Package PUAOPE010C - Operate an Automated External Defibrillator.

If your company is interested in a managed first aid training solution, call 1300 651 706 for further information or to book an on-site survey with one of our consultants.