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AED: Automated External Defibrillator

Emergency Preparedness | 10-15 min

Summary

Sudden cardiac arrest kills over 350,000 Americans annually, but survival rates increase dramatically with early defibrillation. Interesting fact: For every minute that passes without defibrillation, survival chances decrease by 7-10%. If an AED is used within the first minute, survival rates can exceed 90%. Time literally means life when hearts stop beating.

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Key Points to Cover

  • AEDs are designed for use by anyone, not just medical professionals
  • Early defibrillation dramatically improves survival rates
  • Know where AEDs are located in your facility
  • AEDs provide voice prompts to guide users
  • Always call 911 before or while using an AED

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should this safety talk take?

Plan for about 10-15 min, with extra time for questions and site-specific examples.

Can I tailor the discussion to my workplace?

Yes. Use the key points as a starting place and connect them to the tasks, equipment, and procedures your team uses.

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