The Urgency of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in Workplaces
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurs when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, causing the heart to stop pumping effectively. It strikes without warning. A person experiencing cardiac arrest may suddenly collapse, become unresponsive, and stop breathing. According to Canadian data, up to 35,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in Canada.
Worldwide, studies show that deploying an automated external defibrillator (AED) early, along with CPR, can double a person’s chance of survival. When you perform CPR, you help keep blood circulating to the brain, lungs, and other vital organs until an AED can be used. It is critical to perform CPR immediately while waiting for an AED, as this first aid step can help maintain blood flow to vital organs.
- Here’s what you need to know:
- For each minute defibrillation is delayed, survival chances drop by 7–10 %.
- After roughly 12 minutes of untreated ventricular fibrillation, survival chances fall below 5 %.
In many cases, victims never reach a hospital alive — more than 90 % of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases end in fatality without intervention.
In a workplace setting, those numbers are sobering. But they also underscore why having an AED (or defibrillator / AED machine) on site as part of your first aid and emergency response process is not just a best practice — in many cases, it’s the difference between life and death.
Why Construction Sites and Industrial Workplaces Are Higher Risk
Jobs that involve strenuous physical labour, heavy equipment, high stress, exposure to heat, dehydration, or intense exertion can increase the risk of cardiovascular stress. Construction and industrial workplaces are considered high risk for cardiac emergencies due to these factors. Some contributing factors include:
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure under physical strain
- Heat exposure and dehydration, affecting electrolyte balance
- Exposure to pollutants or fumes
- Worker fatigue or overexertion
- Pre-existing, undiagnosed heart disease exacerbated by physical labour
If a worker goes into SCA at a remote or large jobsite, even minutes can make the difference. That’s why having an automatic or semi-automatic defibrillator—a portable device that can be easily accessed and used in emergency situations—is so important.
Why Choose Philips AEDs (and What They Offer)
When selecting an AED / defibrillator / AED machine, reliability, ease-of-use, and serviceability matter. Philips is one of the leading brands in workplace and community AEDs, and its HeartStart line (such as the OnSite / HS1 models) is widely used. Philips AEDs are FDA-approved, meeting stringent safety and regulatory standards for use in emergency situations.
Some key advantages:
- The devices are designed for intuitive use (voice prompts, visual cues), supporting proper use by both trained responders and laypersons.
- Philips offers public access AEDs specifically designed for use by non-medical personnel in emergencies.
- Philips units perform self-tests, helping ensure readiness.
- They are licensed medical devices, and in Canada must meet Health Canada standards.
- Philips has a strong reputation for durability and support (spares, high-quality pad electrodes, AED pads & batteries, modules).
For maintenance, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for inspection and upkeep. Most manufacturers provide detailed maintenance schedules and guidelines to ensure AED readiness at all times.
Proper use of AEDs, including training personnel and understanding when and how to operate the device, is essential for effective emergency response.
For related information about Philips AEDs, their FDA approval, and regulatory status, consult the official Philips website or the FDA premarket database.
The Role of AED Pads & Batteries
An AED is only as good as its consumables. AED pads (electrodes) and batteries must be current, sealed, and functional. Key points:
- Pads typically carry an expiration date and must be replaced once expired.
- Battery life may vary (often a few years).
- Some units use replaceable batteries, others use rechargeable modules.
- A proper AED maintenance program includes quarterly inspections, battery and pad checks, and replacing components as needed.
If pads or batteries fail at the moment of need, the AED cannot deliver its life-saving function.
Key Regulatory Changes in Ontario: Mandatory AEDs on Construction Sites
Ontario is making a landmark move to require AEDs on certain job sites. The relevant new regulation is O. Reg. 157/25 (Construction Projects) under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which comes into force January 1, 2026.
Here’s a summary of the main requirements:
- Where required: On construction projects expected to last three months or longer and employing 20 or more workers regularly (i.e., on site)
- Defibrillator must be a licensed medical device (i.e. Health Canada–approved)
- Accessory requirements: at least one CPR mask, scissors, two pairs of gloves, disposable razor, garbage bag, absorbent towels stored with the AED.
- Storage & signage: Device and accessories must be stored in an accessible, protected location, clearly labeled with an AED graphic and signage.
- Maintenance & inspections: Must maintain and test per manufacturer instructions, inspect quarterly, keep records (date, person)
- Trained personnel: At all times that work is in progress, a worker trained in CPR and AED operation must be present.
- The rule does not apply to smaller or short-term projects (less than three months)
AEDs are not only required on certain construction sites, but are also commonly installed in public places such as schools, airports, shopping malls, and government buildings to ensure emergency preparedness and accessibility.
This means as of 2026, many construction jobs will legally require at least one AED / defibrillator / AED machine on site, with full support for signposting, maintenance, and readiness. Ontario may even reimburse constructors via WSIB for the cost of AEDs (average cost currently ~$2,300 CAD) Ontario may even reimburse constructors via WSIB for the cost of AEDs, which currently average around $2,300 CAD. This financial support helps encourage the adoption of these life-saving devices on worksites, making it more feasible for employers to comply with upcoming regulations and enhance workplace safety.
Why This Matters Right Now
Even before the law takes effect, proactive employers can benefit by:
- Saving lives.
- Demonstrating leadership in safety culture.
- Reducing legal and reputational risk.
- Getting ahead of compliance demands.
Because delays cost lives, having a Philips AED or another reputable automatic or semi-automatic defibrillator already in place on large worksites makes good sense.
AED Training and Education
Proper AED training and education are essential for empowering employees to act quickly and confidently during a cardiac emergency. Organizations like the American Heart Association offer comprehensive AED training programs that cover the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), how to recognize the signs of sudden cardiac arrest, and how to perform effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). These hands-on courses often include practice with an AED machine, so participants become familiar with the device’s voice prompts, pad placement, and shock delivery.
By investing in AED training, workplaces ensure that staff are prepared to respond in emergency situations, increasing the likelihood of saving lives. Training also helps dispel fears about using a defibrillator, making it clear that AEDs are designed for use by laypersons with minimal training. Ultimately, a well-trained team can make the critical difference when every second counts.
Maintaining and Updating AEDs
The reliability of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) depends on regular maintenance and timely updates. To ensure AEDs are always ready for use, it’s important to routinely check the AED pads for expiration dates and replace them as needed. Batteries should also be monitored and swapped out according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Many AED manufacturers provide detailed instructions for maintenance, including periodic self-tests and software or firmware updates to keep the device functioning at its best.
Regular inspections help confirm that the electric shock delivery system is operational and that all necessary accessories are present. By following a strict maintenance schedule, workplaces can be confident that their AEDs will deliver immediate CPR support and defibrillation in emergency situations, maximizing the chances of survival.
Overcoming Barriers to AED Implementation
While the benefits of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the workplace are clear, some organizations face challenges when it comes to implementation. Common barriers include the initial cost of AEDs, concerns about liability, and a lack of AED training among staff. To address these issues, it’s important to educate decision-makers about the dramatic improvement in survival rates when defibrillation and CPR are provided promptly during cardiac emergencies.
Many AED manufacturers and safety organizations offer financing options, grants, and resources to help make AEDs more accessible. Additionally, clear legal protections exist in many regions for those who use AEDs in good faith during emergencies. By prioritizing AED training and leveraging available support, organizations can overcome these obstacles and ensure that AEDs are available and ready to use in emergency situations, ultimately saving more lives.
Creating a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan
A well-designed cardiac emergency response plan is a cornerstone of workplace safety. This plan should clearly outline the locations of all automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on site and provide step-by-step procedures for their use. It should also include instructions for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), contacting emergency services, and coordinating with first responders.
Beyond cardiac arrest, the plan should address responses to other medical emergencies, such as heart attacks and strokes, ensuring that staff know how to act quickly and effectively. By establishing and regularly reviewing a cardiac emergency response plan, organizations can ensure immediate CPR and defibrillation are delivered when needed, improving outcomes for anyone experiencing a cardiac emergency.
AED Program Evaluation
Regular evaluation of your AED program is vital to ensure its ongoing effectiveness and readiness. This process should include reviewing the quality and frequency of AED training, verifying that all automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are properly maintained and updated, and assessing the overall cardiac emergency response plan. Tracking survival rates and outcomes from real-life incidents can provide valuable feedback and highlight areas for improvement.
By systematically evaluating the AED program, organizations can identify gaps, reinforce best practices, and ensure that AEDs are being used to their full potential to save lives. Continuous improvement not only boosts survival rates but also strengthens the workplace’s commitment to health and safety.
Implementation Tips for AEDs on the Jobsite
- Conduct a risk assessment – size of site, remote areas, worker population, EMS response time.
- Choose the right AED – prefer models with robust self-test cycles, replaceable pads & battery modules, durability for harsh environments.
- Install signage and ensure the AED location is unobstructed and protected (weather, dust, theft).
- Train multiple workers in CPR + AED use (semi-automatic or automatic) — practice with dummy units.
- Set up a maintenance schedule — inspect quarterly, record meticulously, test battery/pads periodically.
- Integrate into your emergency response plan — ensure clear communication, drills, EMS coordination.
- Budget for multiple units on large sites — one may not always be enough depending on site layout.