Every second counts when you are a bystander witnessing a cardiac arrest emergency. You will often need to find and use an AED quickly in order to optimize the patient's chance of survival. But what if you can’t locate the AED in your workplace or building? What if you begin to use it, and then discover that the batteries have expired? The chances of survival decreases by 7-10% for every minute that passes without defibrillation and CPR. If a bystander cannot quickly locate an AED, the results can be detrimental.
But just just having an AED isn’t enough! You need to be able to locate the device, start using it quickly but properly, and rely on it to be in good condition. The ABC's of an AED can help you ensure that AEDs are readily available, locatable, and functional. Subsequently, should a sudden cardiac arrest occur, you are prepared and knowledgeable.

So what is an AED? An AED is an automated emergency defibrillator (AED) which is a lightweight, portable electronic device that can be used in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. During cardiac arrest, the heart is no longer functioning correctly. It stops pumping blood to vital organs, including the brain. An AED will restore a regular heartbeat and help the heart start pumping blood again by delivering an electric shock to the heart and resetting its electrical system.

A-AED Management. 
The use of an AED is a simple process. An AED provides voice prompts and processes that are automated to ensure that users have the highest possible probability of success. 
However, it is important to remember that there are various things to manage the AED to ensure optimal use. These factors include battery life and condition, device location, and compliance with your state’s laws. The management of the AED allows you to coordinate all of this information and make sure everything runs smoothly. Ultimately, solid AED management helps ensure that your residential building, office, or facility is safe to be in!

B-Benefits of Maintaining AED.
The management of the AED can allow you to consider your location’s legal specifications and help you follow the rules. For example, Texas requires that at least one AED is present on each school campus and, for any gathering of a substantial number of students, the AED and an employee trained in AED must be readily available. Additionally, students must receive CPR training once in grades 7-12. At least one AED is required at each dental office, nursing home, convalescent facility, and pediatric extended care facilities, and at least one employee trained in CPR/AED must be on site. You can find out more about Texas AED requirements in the full Texas Health and Safety Code here.
Second, it is important that the AED be functional. An AED that is damaged or one that has expired parts might not work as quickly as an AED in good condition. Unfortunately, this inoperability could result in the loss of a life. For example, did you know that AED batteries can expire within 4 years? Or that AED pads can expire as well? Understanding teh ABC's of your AED can allow you to track the various expiration dates and battery condition, so that you can avoid the terrible situation of being stuck with an inoperable AED right when you need it most. Lastly, you can also establish reminders to make sure devices are replaced before their expiration dates and that all equipment is completely up-to-date.

C. CPR Certification Classes.
The last key component of AED management is AED user training. Despite AEDs being fairly simple to use, AED training can make a significant difference in the successful operation of an AED. When in a medical emergency people often panic and are less likely to follow proper instructions. AED training will allow you to feel better prepared to properly use the AED in the event of a medical crisis. In Help-A-Heart CPR’s Certification Classes, we instruct the proper use of the AED, the various AED components, while also conducting patient simulations while using the AED. Remember that every second matters and practice will help you make the most of your time and act with confidence.

Learn more about the ABC's of AED management with Help-A-Heart CPR.
At Help-A-Heart CPR, our quest is to encourage awareness and knowledge of emergency care. AED management is just one of many ways that you can be proactive about safety in your home or workplace. Feel free to contact us or give us a call at (210) 380-5344. We’re happy to help! 

Did you know that each year, more than 5,000 Americans die from work-related injuries, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics?
Group CPR training is a fun and effective method to learn CPR skills. Not to mention, investing in the health and well-being of the employee also allows employees to feel more valued. Additionally, scheduling a group CPR class for employees can also be a cost-effective choice for many organizations.

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER GROUP CPR TRAINING?
Many organizations now require employees to receive CPR certification in order to comply with OSHA standards. But, even if it’s not a requirement, businesses can reap the benefits of group CPR classes. These are just some examples of who might benefit from group CPR training:

1. Corporate offices
2. Healthcare offices
3. Schools
4. Government buildings
5. Gyms and pools
6. Restaurants and bars

WHO TOPICS WILL BE COVERED IN A GROUP CPR CLASS?
During a group CPR course, our CPR and First Aid instructor will tailor the class to your workplace. We will provide you with lifesaving skills and  empower you with the ability to respond quickly during a medical emergency. Help-A-Heart's CPR's group CPR and First Aid class covers the following topics:

Administering CPR to people of all ages (Adult, Child, Infant)
Usages and considerations for AED
Assisting conscious and unconscious choking victims
Basic first aid skills

 WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A GROUP CPR CLASS?
Through participation in a group CPR training, your team will have an opportunity to work together in both an unstructured and structured environment. Not only does this type of training build trust and comradery among team members but it can also increase the job morale of each employee.
The following are some of the benefits of Help-A-Heart CPR’s group CPR and First Aid training programs:

1. You can actually practice and learn in the environment in which the medical emergency may occur.
A great benefit CPR training in the workplace is that you’re practicing right in the very room or space where the potential emergency would occur. Each attendee will get hands-on experience administering CPR in the office or workplace, locating emergency supplies, finding the best phone to use, and more. Getting to practice right in the workplace will help your team get familiar with their surroundings and ultimately act faster in the event of an emergency.

2. It is much easier to fit a group training experience into the schedule of each person.
With the busy schedule that everyone is juggling these days, it can be difficult to fit a CPR or First Aid training class into your schedule. One benefit of group group CPR training is that you don’t need to schedule transportation or cut time from work––we will bring all training materials and equipment to you. If you have a staff meeting or a day-long event, corporate CPR training is the ideal group activity. Group training can easily be added to the agenda of any corporate training activity day.

3. Scheduling a Group CPR class can save your organization money.
Group CPR training can fit into your budget. The tiered pricing system at Help-A-Heart CPR is based on the number of people in attendance, so the more people who train, the more money you can save! We also offer discounts for non-profit organizations, so please contact us to discuss special pricing. It’s easy to get a customized quote! Just fill out this brief survey and we’ll provide a cost estimate based on your situation.

4. Everyone will have the opportunity to learn the same information and the same time.
If everyone has learned the same information and at the same time, during a crisis situation, a unanimous collaboration efforts can be extended. Ultimately, this team effort can mean the difference between life and death. One of the benefits of group CPR classes is that everyone will leave with the same foundation of knowledge. During the course, we’ll go through real-world scenarios and simulations so that your team will have a chance to practice working together and gain confidence in their role.

Here at Help-A-Heart CPR we will bring the training to you. Just schedule a day and time that is convenient for you and get everyone certified and trained at the same time.
Do you have more questions regarding a group CPR course? Feel free to contact us and a member of our team will get back to you. If you'd like additional information, you can also look here for more information on the group CPR training through Help-A-Heart CPR.