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As a small business owner, you are the chief of everything. You manage operations, finance, and the safety of every person who walks through your door. When it comes to emergency preparedness, the thought of implementing an automated external defibrillator (AED) program can feel overwhelming. You have to consider costs, legal questions, and the complexity of managing another critical system. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be complicated.
The reality is that about each year, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the U.S. approximately 236,400 in homes or residences, 57,050 in public places, 36,050 in nursing homes, and 10,000 in the workplace. For every minute that passes without defibrillation, the chance of survival drops by up to 10%. Yet, a staggering 50% of U.S. workers cannot locate an AED at their workplace. This guide simplifies the entire process, transforming a complex safety initiative into a straightforward, manageable plan. We will walk you through a step-by-step framework designed specifically for busy owners who need a reliable, turnkey solution.
Let’s address the biggest concern right away. The fear of liability is the most common reason business owners hesitate to install an AED. This fear, however, is largely unfounded. Every single state has Good Samaritan laws designed to protect individuals and businesses who act in good faith during an emergency.
These laws are specifically designed to encourage bystander assistance by limiting liability. When you purchase an AED and make it available to help save a life, you are covered by these protections. The legal risk of having an AED and using it in an attempt to save a life is far lower than the potential liability of not having one when a foreseeable need exists. By providing an AED, you are demonstrating a commitment to safety, not opening yourself up to lawsuits.
This simple checklist breaks down the process of launching your AED program. It’s a start to finish plan that removes the guesswork and helps you get your program up and running quickly and correctly.
The first step is to identify the best spot for your AED. It needs to be visible, accessible, and in a location where someone can retrieve it within 90 seconds. For a small business, this might be near the front desk, in a main hallway, by the employee breakroom, or close to a production floor. Think about high traffic areas and any spots where an employee or customer with a known heart condition might spend their time. Proper AED placement is critical for a fast response.
For a small business, you don’t need a complex, custom solution. You need an all in one package that includes everything to get started. The Philips HeartStart OnSite AED Value Package is designed specifically for this purpose. It is the only AED available over the counter without a prescription and is renowned for its ease of use.
This package is a true “program-in-a-box” because it includes:
Choosing a pre-configured package like this eliminates the need to source individual components, saving you time and ensuring you have a complete, ready to deploy station. For those on a tighter budget, a recertified AED offers a cost effective alternative without compromising on quality.
This is a simple but vital step that many overlook. When you get your AED, you should register it with your local emergency services. This lets 911 dispatchers know you have an AED on site, so they can direct responders to it during a call. Our team at AED Leader can help you handle this registration process, ensuring you are connected with your local response system.
In a small business, your response team might be everyone. The key is to make sure your staff knows where the AED is and understands their role in an emergency. Designate a few key people to be the primary responders who will retrieve the AED and begin CPR while another person calls 911. The goal is a coordinated response, not a complex hierarchy.
While modern AEDs are designed for anyone to use, training builds the confidence needed to act decisively in a high stress situation. We offer comprehensive CPR, AED, and first aid training that can be conducted on site. Empowering your team with these skills is one of the most valuable investments you can make in workplace safety.
Once your equipment arrives, it’s time to set it up. Mount the cabinet in the location you identified in Step 1. Place the AED inside and apply the directional signs so the station is easy to spot from multiple angles. Make an announcement to your team, showing them exactly where it is and how to access it. A well-marked and visible AED station becomes a powerful symbol of your commitment to safety.
An AED program doesn’t end after installation. AED pads and batteries have expiration dates that must be tracked to ensure the device is always ready. For a busy business owner, this is easy to forget. This is where ongoing program management becomes essential.
Our AED Total Solution program automates this for you. It’s a web based system that tracks expiration dates, sends you automatic reminders, manages your physician’s prescription, and provides a central portal for all your compliance needs. It takes the administrative burden off your plate so you can focus on running your business, confident that your AED program is always compliant and ready.
When you’re evaluating options, the goal is to find a solution that minimizes complexity, not add to it. The Philips HeartStart OnSite AED is the ideal device for a small business environment because it was built for the lay user. Its on screen guidance and voice prompts are so clear that anyone on your team can feel confident using it.
By bundling it into the Philips OnSite Value Package, we’ve created the perfect turnkey solution. You get the industry’s most user friendly AED, a professional storage cabinet, and all the necessary signage in one easy purchase. Paired with our optional AED Total Solution for management, you have a complete, professional grade safety program that is both affordable and incredibly simple to maintain.
Q: Do I need a doctor’s prescription to buy an AED for my business?
A: Most AEDs require a physician’s prescription, which verifies that the device is medically necessary and that you have a plan for its use and maintenance. However, the Philips HeartStart OnSite is the only AED approved for over the counter sale. At AED Leader, we provide complimentary physician oversight for every AED we sell, handling the prescription process for you so you remain compliant.
Q: How often do I need to check the AED?
A: Most manufacturers recommend a visual inspection once a month to ensure the readiness indicator shows the device is functional and that there is no visible damage. Our AED Total Solution program includes a mobile app with an inspection checklist to make these checks simple and trackable.
Q: What happens after the AED is used?
A: After an AED is used, the electrode pads must be replaced. You should also have the event data downloaded from the device for medical review, which is a key part of post event service and a requirement in many states. Our management program helps coordinate all post event needs, including providing a loaner device if needed and handling the data download and reporting.
Q: Are the batteries and pads expensive to replace?
A: The cost of consumables varies by brand, but they are a predictable part of the total cost of ownership. The batteries for the Philips OnSite, for example, have a four year lifespan. The pads typically last for two years. Planning for these replacements is a key part of maintaining a ready to use device.
Q: Can I really get sued for trying to help someone?
A: The purpose of Good Samaritan laws is to prevent this exact scenario. These laws provide liability protection for businesses and individuals who use an AED in good faith during an emergency. Rather than creating risk, having a well managed AED program is a proactive step that demonstrates due diligence and a commitment to protecting your employees and customers.
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