Sign in Subscribe
Medical equipment industry

Automated External Defibrillators Installed in New York City Offices to Treat Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Medtronic, Inc. announced that American International Group, Inc. has purchased automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to treat employees who may suffer from sudden cardiac arrest in the workplace. The devices have been placed in all of AIG's New York City area offices, and employees will be trained in cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), emergency oxygen, and the use of the LIFEPAK(R) CR Plus AEDs. AIG's Chief Security Officer, Ron Mahaffey, stated that the implementation of the LIFEPAK Heart Safe Solution is a potentially life-saving component of the company's overall emergency preparedness and employee safety program.

Key Takeaways:

  • American International Group, Inc. (AIG) has purchased automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to treat employees suffering from sudden cardiac arrest in their New York City area offices.
  • The devices, LIFEPAK(R) CR Plus AEDs, have been placed in all AIG offices and will be used in conjunction with cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), emergency oxygen, and formal CPR/AED training.
  • Studies show that early defibrillation can dramatically improve survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest, with survival rates decreasing by 7-10% every minute defibrillation is delayed.
  • The American Heart Association recommends treating sudden cardiac arrest victims within three to five minutes.
  • AIG's implementation of the LIFEPAK Heart Safe Solution demonstrates the company's commitment to safeguarding employee health and welfare.
  • Medtronic's LIFEPAK Heart Safe Solution is a complete package of services that integrates the components necessary to bring lifesaving AED technology to workplaces across the country.
  • The solution assists companies in meeting federal, state, and local AED requirements.
  • A study by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) found that 34% of companies that have implemented an AED program have used their AED at least once to save a life.
  • The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that 13% of workplace fatalities (over 400 per year) are caused by sudden cardiac arrest, with 40% of victims potentially being saved by defibrillation within five minutes.

Statistics:

  • 34% of companies that have implemented an AED program have used their AED at least once to save a life (ACOEM survey)
  • 66% of victims of sudden cardiac arrest in the workplace were successfully revived (ACOEM survey)
  • 13% of workplace fatalities (over 400 per year) are caused by sudden cardiac arrest (OSHA)
  • 160 victims of sudden cardiac arrest could be saved by defibrillation within five minutes (OSHA)
  • Every year, sudden cardiac arrest strikes up to 450,000 people in the U.S. alone

Sources:

  • Medtronic, Inc. press release, date not specified
  • American International Group, Inc. press release, date not specified
  • American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) survey, August 2003
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) statistics, date not specified

Read more