Page 9 - WM Donald Newsletter - Edition Four

NOW SOME SHOCKING NEWSSince January 2017 all sites where W M Donald is the Principal Contractor have been equipped with a defibrillator. Quick access to a defibrillator greatly improves your chances of survival in the event of a cardiac arrest (heart attack).A cardiac arrest is caused by an irregular (arrhythmic) heart beat. A defibrillator delivers a high energy electric shock to the heart through the chest wall and, effectively, stops the heart. The body’s natural pacemaker then re-establishes a normal heart rhythm.The defibrillator chosen by W M Donald is the Philips HeartStart FRx. The HeartStart FRx provides guidance voice prompts, visual icons and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) coaching throughout the defibrillation process.It is specifically designed for use on industrial and construction sites, can withstand a one metre drop onto a concrete floor, and operates in harsh environments including rain.Supporting the roll-out of the defibrillators, over 40 of W M Donald’s project managers and supervisors havecompleted 3-day ‘First Aid at Work’ courses delivered by Aberdeen First Aid School. However, it is important to know that the HeartStart FRx can be used by anyone as clear vocal prompts talk the user through effective CPR and the use of the defibrillator. The device has onboard diagnostics and will not deliver a shock to the patient unless one is needed.Diagnosing a cardiac arrestSomeone who has had a cardiac arrest (the ‘patient’) will be unresponsive to sound or touch. The patient’s breathing will have stopped (you can check by observing whether the chest rises or not) and there will be no pulse. tReacting to a cardiac arrestIf you believe one of your colleagues on site has had a cardiac arrest, speed of intervention is absolutely critical. Start CPR immediately and tell someone to get the defibrillator and call 999.CPR involves pushing down firmly (compression) with both hands on the patient’s chest towards the end of their breastbone (see image below). Deliver 30 compressions at the rate of about two beats per second. You can use the rhythm of the song ‘Staying Alive’ or ‘Nellie the Elephant’ as a guide. After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths and resume compressions. Continue until the defibrillator or emergency services arrive.The following websites are good sources of further information:n Resuscitation Council (UK) www.resus.org.ukn Saint John Ambulance www.sja.org.ukn British Heart Foundation www.bhf.org.uk9