CPR Training for Electricians - ECN Electrical Forums

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Question

At our site, we have an ambulance service that provides first aid for injured employees and contractors.

Several years ago, we also provided CPR
training for all electrical workers.

In recent years, we have done away with the CPR training for electricians, and have basically relied on the ambulance service to be able to provide life-saving services if an
electrocution with heart stoppage were to occur.

My concern is this - we have a large site, and I am afraid that by the time the person was discovered, a telephone was found and the 911 call made, the ambulance service was dispatched, they negotiate the roads to get to the person and then find him/her - by this time, the individual is REALLY dead.

I would like to see my company go back to training all electrical workers on CPR, and I'm looking for some "best practices" from other companies that have on-site ambulance services yet still train their folks for first response.

Please reply here if you can tell me what your site does. Thanks.

Bob Huddleston

Plant Protection Electrical Safety Group

[This message has been edited by Joe Tedesco (edited 10-03-2002).]

Bob,
both the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross have various levels of CPR.

Basically, there is the shorter courses with skinny booklet type magazines up to longer courses with 1/2" thick 8.5 x 11" books.

Having instructed much of the older, and now newer ciriculums i favor the shorter courses for employee groups.

Let's face it, there is a difference in attention span/retention bettween those who are required to attend vs. those with a genuine interest....and if a larger group can grasp key elements, the opportuntiy to 'buy some time' for your local ambulance service becomes all the more available.

Should some individuals wish to advance, make it available, the costs are really minimal.

Our local high school coaches have just purchased thier own de-fib....i would'nt have even dreamed this 10 yrs ago !

I would suggest that you meet with your local EMS and discuss this, they may even wish to add a basic preplan for critical incidents.

I'd venture they'd be delighted to know someone could be 'buying the patient time' responding to your facility.

ps, check out some of the goodies in this link
[Linked Image]