Many understand that cardiac arrest is a life-threatening heart emergency, but not everyone knows what it is or how to respond in the workplace.
Quick Facts about Cardiac Arrest. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping effectively. Two common life-threatening rhythms are ventricular fibrillation (V‑fib), where the lower chambers quiver, and pulseless ventricular tachycardia, where a very fast rhythm produces no effective pulse.
These abnormal rhythms interrupt circulation and can follow a heart attack. Bradycardia, a very slow heartbeat, is a less common cause of cardiac arrest.
The causes of cardiac arrest are varied and can include certain drugs and medications, respiratory arrest, drowning, choking, trauma, and electrocution. A prior diagnosis of heart disease may or may not exist; sometimes no clear cause is identified.
Someone in cardiac arrest will collapse suddenly, be unresponsive to voice or touch, and will not breathe normally. Bystanders who are not medically trained should look for signs of circulation (normal breathing, coughing, twitching, movement, or improved color) rather than trying to find a pulse.
Once the heart stops pumping blood, brain injury can begin within about four to six minutes. Without rapid treatment the victim can die within minutes, and many cardiac arrest victims die before reaching a hospital.
Survival falls by roughly 7–10% for every minute defibrillation is delayed when CPR is not being performed. When CPR is started immediately and defibrillation occurs within three to five minutes, survival rates can be substantially higher.
Should you have an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)? AEDs are common in public places because they can save lives. After pads are placed on the chest, an AED analyzes the heart rhythm and will advise or deliver a shock only if a shockable rhythm is detected.
Employers concerned about liability and workplace safety should know that many jurisdictions extend Good Samaritan protections for AED use and that federal statutes provide limited liability immunity for lay rescuers. Employers may also want to review related insurance options such as the Crime/Human Service Providers Insurance Program when designing a safety program.
AEDs are designed for trained lay rescuers. They are compact, battery powered, durable, and straightforward to operate because they automatically analyze rhythms and prompt the operator.
With more employees working later into life and emergency medical services sometimes delayed, having an AED and a few trained staff on-site can make the difference between life and death. Employers may also review additional insurance resources like Agency Loan Program Insurance when assessing overall workplace risk.
If you are evaluating AEDs, training, or workplace policies and need help with coverage questions, consider discussing options and next steps with a professional—talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first if someone collapses and is unresponsive?
Call emergency services immediately, check for breathing and signs of circulation, start CPR if the person is not breathing normally, and use an AED as soon as one is available.
Can an untrained employee use an AED?
Most AEDs are designed for use by trained laypersons and give clear voice or visual prompts; brief training is recommended to increase confidence and effectiveness.
Will an AED shock someone who does not need it?
No; AEDs analyze heart rhythm and will only advise a shock if a shockable rhythm such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia is detected.
Does having an AED increase employer liability?
Many jurisdictions provide civil protections for AED use, and federal law offers limited immunity for lay rescuers; employers should still implement training and a written AED policy.