CPR in the workplace: protecting your employees and reducing accidents

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the first treatment to be administered in the event of cardiac arrest. This technique aims to restore blood circulation and maintain breathing. These two conditions are essential to oxygenate the brain. In Quebec, CPR first aiders must be present in the workplace during opening hours. This is a CNESST regulation. Their number is determined by the number of staff on duty. The aim of the initiative is to protect employees and limit the impact of incidents that may occur. In the event of a cardio-respiratory accident, there is a 95% risk of death without rapid intervention.

What is CPR?

CPR is an emergency technique used to save the life of a victim of cardiac/respiratory arrest. Blood circulation and breathing are restored by cardiac massage and artificial ventilation. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation involves two actions to be repeated:

• Chest compressions to stimulate the heart;
• Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to maintain the oxygen supply to the brain and vital organs.

An automated external defibrillator is also used to restore the heartbeat. Many lives have been saved thanks to CPR. CPR has been used to help people in distress who were showing signs of cardiac arrest. A sudden loss of consciousness associated with a lack of pulse is an undeniable symptom.

Who can perform CPR?

Almost anyone, whether a healthcare professional or not, can perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. You can ask a doctor, nurse or ambulance driver for help if someone goes into cardiac arrest. These professionals are trained to intervene in this type of situation. The same applies to emergency personnel such as firefighters and police officers.

The average person who has undergone training can also perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. There are CPR first aid programmes for the general public. Parents, teachers and office workers can all take part.

How do you perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation?

The following steps describe how cardiopulmonary resuscitation is performed:

• Make sure the victim is actually unconscious.
• Ask someone to call for help and bring an automated external defibrillator if possible.
• Lay the victim on their back on a hard surface such as the floor.
• Perform cardiac massage: 30 chest compressions, at a rate of 100 compressions per minute.
• Perform artificial ventilation after each series of 30 compressions.
  Continue the operation until help arrives.

The automated external defibrillator is safe to use. For both the user and the victim.

First aiders appointed within a company are required to have undergone first aid and CPR training. In this way, they learn how to correctly perform the manoeuvres described above and master the use of a defibrillator. At Impact Santé+, we offer CPR first aid programmes tailored to this requirement. They consist of theoretical and practical parts. We invite you to visit our website or contact us directly for further information.