You might have one of those emergency defibrillators in your office or building. It seems they're being installed everywhere lately. But, does anyone know how to use it? Much like the fire extinguisher, if no one can use it, it won't be much help when you need it. Yours may have an automatic alarm to call for help if the case is opened, but it will still take some time--perhaps critical moments--for first responders to arrive.
The recent story of the Southwest Airlines passenger who died from an in-flight heart attack brings attention to the need for training on this valuable emergency tool. Flight attendants didn't immediately start to use the defibrillator because the ailing passenger had a hairy chest. They knew that a hairy chest would interfere with the functioning of the device, but they apparently didn't realize that these emergency defibrillators come with a shaving kit for just such an eventuality. We can't know whether prompt use of the defibrillator would have saved the man, but clearly there was a tragic gap in training.
Again, it takes time for first responders to get to you. Training on your emergency plan and tools is crucial to keeping everyone in your place of business--employees and customers--safe in case of a crisis. Make sure enough of your staff know where these tools are and how to use them.
Of course, if you are the one with the heart condition and the hairy chest, make sure your co-workers and travel companions know it is okay to shave your chest in case of emergency!
Read the news report here.
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