Introduction and Rollout of Automated External Defibrillator

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LTB 262/14 Introduction and Rollout of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) into Royal Mail Buildings:
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No. 262/14


Ref EX7/14


Date: 23 April 2014

To: All Branches with Members in Royal Mail

Dear Colleagues

Introduction and Rollout of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) into Royal Mail Buildings:

Introduction

I am pleased to announce agreement by Royal Mail to a significant investment in life saving AED equipment. An AED is a machine that delivers an electric shock to the heart when someone is having a cardiac arrest. These machines can also be called defibrillators. Having an AED close by can mean the difference between life and death for a victim of cardiac arrest. It is crucial to act quickly when someone is in cardiac arrest and fighting for their life.. Around 60,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the UK every year. When someone goes into cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces their chances of survival by 10%. Currently more than 92 percent of cardiac arrest victims die because defibrillation isn't available soon enough. Although CPR is essential to maintaining blood flow to the brain and other parts of the body, defibrillation is the single most effective treatment for cardiac arrest. Time is of the essence because brain death and permanent death begin in 4-6 minutes.

Anyone who has minimal CPR and AED training can use an AED to help save a life. Many people around the world are trained, including First Aiders, police, emergency services personnel, security officers, fire-fighters, sports coaches and trainers, flight attendants, lifeguards public service vehicle drivers etc. The Newly-developed AEDs offer greater ease of use and are now being installed in workplaces, schools, health clubs, community centres, religious centres, care homes and many other locations. AEDs are designed to help people with minimal training use them safely in tense, emergency situations. They have numerous built-in safeguards and are designed to deliver a shock only if the AED detects one or more shocks are necessary. Their ease of use and built-in safety mechanisms now make AEDs suitable for use for both community, and company-wide workplace installation programs.

Background

Following discussions between the CWU, Royal Mail Group and PoFAS (Postal; First Aid Association, the business has decided that 90 of Royal Mail Group's largest Offices and locations will be provided with Automated External Defibrillator (AED) machines to augment our first aid capability, support the workforce and be in line with industry best practice. AEDs have been demonstrated to have a value in improving the chances of successful resuscitation in cases of cardiac arrest, though they do not remove the need for competent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) provided by our trained first aiders.

The list of locations included in the installation programme is attached and will continue to be updated as Royal Mail develops the roll out installation programme with Romec Ltd.

The AED Machines and Use

The AEDs that Royal Mail have purchased are Cardiac Science Powerheart G3 models (Details, Specification and Factsheets are attached) which are highly portable and very simple to use. They are semi-automatic, which means the operator initiates the actions rather than the machine being entirely autonomous. In Royal Mail it is intended that First Aiders are best equipped and likely to use them to best advantage, though these modern AED machines are capable of use by an untrained 'rescuer' in emergency situations as the machine gives clear voice prompts and instructions to the user once the cabinet is opened. There is also a text screen guide. The Voice prompts and screen guide the user through the entire operation.

The machines are self-contained (no external power source necessary) with a warranty of 7 years and a battery life of 4 years. Within that time they are maintenance free with only a visual check on battery indicator required. When the battery expires, or after use, a new battery pack will need to be ordered see attached document which details the ordering process and these should be delivered within 24 hours. There is also a download cable so they can be interrogated after use. Fitting is simply into a wall mounted bracket. Romec Ltd Engineers will be undertaking the fitting and will provide Office managers with an installation date.

Watch an On-Line Demonstration Video

To watch on on-line demonstration video, go to: http://www.cardiacscience.co.uk/product ... -aed-plus/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - and click the 'DEMO' button for a six and a half minute information and demonstration video.

Governance

Every location will be supplied with paperwork, which should be placed in the first aid book, for completion should the machine be used. A new battery pack will need to be requested immediately, please see attached ordering process., the machine interrogated and the record of use returned to the Head of Health and Wellbeing or the Group Director of Safety, Health and Wellbeing.

Placement

The location of the AED machines within buildings will be decided by the Person in Charge (PIC), management team and First Aiders. The CWU Area/Workplace Health and Safety Reps will be consulted and informed. However, ideally it should be readily accessible and visible near to where the majority of employees are working, perhaps adjacent to existing first aid facilities and not locked in cabinets. . This will usually be determined by the layout of the building but as a practical guide the AEDs should be placed no further than a brisk two-minute walk from the majority of people at potential risk wherever possible.

In larger locations Royal Mail appreciate that it may take several minutes to get the AED to a casualty, however the first aider should commence CPR promptly in this situation whilst the AED is brought to the casualty. Good quality CPR and the use of an AED will improve the chances of a successful resuscitation.

It is vital that all employees know that there is an AED present, where it is and what it is for; installing the standard sign will assist with raising awareness. First Aiders and CWU Health and Safety Reps can assist with this also. (See attached copy of 'Defibrillator Sign'.

First Aiders - initial training

To facilitate the speedy deployment of the AED's, Royal Mail will be asking for Two First Aiders per location to attend a stand-alone AED training course. Those First Aiders will then brief their First Aid colleagues who will get their training via their refresher training programme as will newly trained First Aiders. This initial programme of training will be confirmed once nominations have been received and the training organised. It will take place during a 3 month programme.

In some cases the AED'S will be delivered before training can be offered to First Aiders. In these circumstances there is no bar to them using the machine if a cardiac arrest should occur. As the machines are designed for 'participant use' and simple operation, they will clearly guide the first aider on the appropriate course of actions. The machine will not deliver a shock unless the heart rhythm is one where a defibrillation is needed. However, first aiders should all familiarise themselves with the machine so that they are prepared should an emergency occur.

See attached file provided by Romec, which sets out the dates that the AEDs will arrive at Units ready for installation. PICs or nominated site leads will liaise with Romec to ensure that the Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAM's) are correct before installation commences and that the defibrillator is placed in the position required. At this stage all staff should be made aware and ASRs/WSRs kept informed and consulted.

Any issues or questions regarding the AED programme should be directed to the appointed Project Manager: Judith.grant@royalmail.com 07776996473

Attachments:

AED Defibrillator ppt Presentation

AED Defibrillator Roll Out Programme Details/Tracker

List Of Offices receiving AEDs

Defibrillator Sign - To be used in Royal Mail Buildings

British Heart Foundation - Defibrillator's Saves Lives Poster

Factsheet - Who Can Use an AED

The Powerheart AED G3 Plus General Details and Photo

The Powerheart AED G3 Plus Technical Specification Sheet

AEDs - St John's Ambulance Q & As

Yours Sincerely

Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety& Environment Officer

[DB1100]

About time they did this.