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Defibrillators mean difference between life, death

When a heart stops beating automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) can mean the difference between life and death. Having access to the AED units and knowing how to use them is important for the safety and wellbeing of large organizations like ITD.

AEDs were developed to be user friendly for anyone who has received training from the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association or other similar organizations, explains ITD Safety and risk Management coordinator Cheryl Rost.

These organizations hope that in the near future AED units be placed in most buildings with high occupancy rates as immediate access for responding to incidents of cardiac arrest.

The units are being installed in all federal buildings, airports and even shopping malls.

ITD has placed units in the main Headquarters building, at the Bridge & Right of Way building on State Street, in the auxiliary building in Supply entrance area, and the Annex – in the red box in the passageway directly across from the chemistry lab. District 3 has installed a unit in the main building at Chinden Boulevard and Coffee Street.

The AED is a machine that analyzes heart rhythm and, if necessary, prompts the operator to deliver a shock to a victim of sudden cardiac arrest (heart attack). Only trained and certified personnel are allowed to handle the AED and administer it to a victim. Headquarters and District 3 training CPR classes include operation of AEDs.

In the event of a cardiac or other life-threatening emergency, dial 9-911 to activate the Emergency Medical response system. At Headquarters’ this also will activate an alarm on the phones of volunteer employee responders. A responder will immediately retrieve the closest AED unit.

It is important for one person familiar with the location of the emergency to be in the lobby of the building to lead responders to the medical emergency location. The security desk has a list of volunteer responders.

Any employee who is currently certified in CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation), AED or first aid can volunteer to be listed as a responder.

If interested in becoming certified or for more information, please contact the Safety and Risk Management office at Headquarters or the appropriate EEO/Safety/Training coordinator for your district.