AED for the jobsite?

[mdshunk]

What do you all think of the idea of having an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) for general use and for use in the event of an electrocution accident? I haven't really heard much talk about the use of AED's specifically for the electricians to address the specific hazard some of us might face. They're getting cheaper and cheaper, so it's almost to the point where there'd be no excuse for not having one on every jobsite, just like a first aid kit.

 

[electricalperson]

i think its a good idea but make sure everyone on the jobsite knows how to use it properly

 

[nakulak]

knowing the way most first aid kits are kept, I think it would be useless. but it is a great idea.

 

[mdshunk]

The CDC says that on construction sites, "In case of electric shock....Automatic defibrillators can save lives."


http://www.cdc.gov/eLCOSH/docs/d0400/d000466/d000466.html

 

[iwire]

i think its a good idea but make sure everyone on the jobsite knows how to use it properly

It is my understanding the whole point of these is that they do not really require training, they 'talk' the user through the steps.

One of our customers is a AED manufacturer Zoll it appears the money is not in the sales of the units but the required re-calibration and check out AFAIK can only be done by the particular manufacturer.

I have watched them torture these machines, vibration, extreme heat and cold, drop tests, they take a beating.

 

[Cavie]

I had them on a Golf course I worked at. Very easy to use and required no training. I know of two lifes saved becouse of the AED's

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

When you go through the airports, you will see theses mounted every so often.
I would not be surprised to see some kind of requirement for these on larger jobs some day.
It certainly cannot be a bad idea. It may even lower your comp or other insurance.

 

[ItsHot]

great idea

great idea

This is a great idea! They are becoming more common than just areas that the elder frequent. I think if we start by asking the large gc's to provide them on the job sites it will eventually become common practice. I see them wall mounted in some areas that I work, health centers,retirement homes,etc. but I never really thought of them being there to save my life in the event of electrical shock!

 

[joebell]

Bob is correct. The company I work for trains us in CPR every year.For the last couple of years the trainer has been bringing in the AED with them for demonstration as part of their training. The trainers we get are typically firefighters/EMTs and have no sales pitch associated with the device. These devices do talk you through each step.I see AED's in more and more office buildings. I don't recall seeing one on anyjobsite yet but it would be a great idea.

 

[EBFD6]

I am a firefighter/emt and I am a believer in every one on a job site being trained in at least basic first aid and cpr. I think having an AED on the job is a great idea, but some training is definately a good idea. Like Bob said the machine does talk you through the steps needed to use the AED and the manufacturers will tell you that there is no training neccessary, but most cpr classes now have some AED training so that people are at least informed about what the machine does and how it works. Without some training in advance people would be using the AED (that they have no idea how to use) for the first time in an emergency situation which is not a good time for learning. So, buy one, great idea, but have the red cross or local fire dept. or someone at least train you, and your guys on the operation of the device.

 

[petersonra]

An extra $2 or $3 thousand dollar expense for an AED is not a big deal at a large construction site. Its a big number if big brother decides every workplace needs one and you end up with one on every service truck.

be careful what you wish for.

 

[brian john]

You let a guy lay down fon the job for a heart attack and what's next? Do it on your own time.

 

[petersonra]

You let a guy lay down fon the job for a heart attack and what's next? Do it on your own time.

don't most ECs have a policy of requiring their employees to clock out prior to having their heart attacks?

 

[brian john]

I was considerate I had mine Sunday evening after a work out at the gym.

 

[George Stolz]

I was considerate I had mine Sunday evening after a work out at the gym.

Oh, good, another resolution I can scratch off my list.

Anybody know anybody who suffered an ailment after quitting smoking or starting running?

 

[mdshunk]

Anybody know anybody who suffered an ailment after quitting smoking or starting running?

I once worked with a guy who was a running nut. He'd jog to work somtimes, for crying out loud. Some of the guys would cut out newspaper articles every time a jogger was hit by a car or fell down with a heart attack and tape it on his tool cart. Nice guys, eh? I was a cross country runner in high school. Now, if you see me running, then there's probably something large chasing me.

 

[brian john]

George: I am a vegetarian that had a heart attack after leaving the gym on my way to the health food store. KINDA of IRONIC, I thought.

 

[muskiedog]

I have over 50 of these deployed

I have over 50 of these deployed

Yes they are very good to have around. Most of the manufacturers will do a train the trainer so this will allow you to train your employees on the units. They alos come with a training video or disc. I havethem in libraries, golf courses, jails and correctional facilities and high use areas in the park system.

I think it is more important to have your employees recieve CPR/Basic First aid. You will be directed by the AED to perform these tasks as need.

Knock on wood, we haven't had to use any of them yet and I have had them out for about four years. I did have to do an upgrade to the new standards but I was able to bring a laptop with me to each location and it sends a infrared beam to the unit to update them. I did have some offer to provide this service but its a waste of money. Easy to do yourself.

 

[cowboyjwc]

We have them around here in our city offices. We haven't had to use one yet, but it's nice to know they're there.

 

[76nemo]

An extra $2 or $3 thousand dollar expense for an AED is not a big deal at a large construction site. Its a big number if big brother decides every workplace needs one and you end up with one on every service truck.

be careful what you wish for.

I never have looked into it, but I wonder how much a battery is for one of those puppies