Description

CPR Procedures Workplace Safety Poster

Help employees recognize and respond to a cardiac arrest emergency with the CPR Procedures Workplace Safety Poster. This 11 x 17-inch safety poster provides a convenient visual reference for important CPR and emergency response procedures.

Immediate recognition of cardiac arrest, activation of emergency medical services, high-quality CPR, and early use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be important links in the emergency response process. Displaying CPR information in a visible workplace location can help reinforce employee first aid and emergency preparedness training.

What Is CPR?

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. CPR is an emergency procedure used when a person is unresponsive and is not breathing normally or is only gasping because of suspected cardiac arrest.

CPR uses chest compressions to help maintain blood circulation until normal circulation returns or emergency medical personnel can provide advanced care.

What Should You Do if an Adult Suddenly Collapses?

Employees should follow their workplace emergency procedures and their level of CPR training. For a teen or adult who suddenly collapses and appears to be in cardiac arrest, important emergency actions include:

Make sure the scene is safe before approaching
Check for responsiveness
Call 911 or activate the workplace emergency response system
Send someone to retrieve an AED if one is available
Check for absent or abnormal breathing, such as only gasping
Begin CPR promptly when cardiac arrest is suspected
Use an AED as soon as it becomes available and follow its prompts
Continue CPR until the person shows signs of life or trained emergency personnel take over

Adult CPR Chest Compressions

For adult cardiac arrest, high-quality chest compressions are an important part of CPR. Current CPR guidance emphasizes pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest while allowing the chest to fully recoil between compressions.

For an average adult, CPR chest compressions should generally be performed:

In the center of the chest
At a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute
To a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm)
While allowing complete chest recoil after each compression
With interruptions in chest compressions kept to a minimum

What Is Hands-Only CPR?

Hands-Only CPR is CPR performed using chest compressions without rescue breaths. For an untrained bystander who witnesses the sudden collapse of a teen or adult, Hands-Only CPR can provide immediate assistance while emergency medical services are on the way.

The basic Hands-Only CPR response is to call 911 or activate emergency response and then push hard and fast in the center of the chest until professional help arrives or an AED becomes available.

CPR With Rescue Breaths

Employees who have received appropriate CPR training may be trained to provide conventional CPR using both chest compressions and rescue breaths. A commonly taught adult CPR sequence for trained rescuers uses cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths.

CPR procedures can vary based on the age of the person, the cause of the emergency, the number of rescuers, and the responder's training. Employees should follow the procedures taught in their current CPR training program.

Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is designed to analyze a person's heart rhythm during cardiac arrest and determine whether an electrical shock is appropriate.

If an AED is available during a suspected cardiac arrest:

Turn on the AED as soon as possible
Follow the AED's voice and visual instructions
Attach the electrode pads as directed
Make sure no one is touching the person while the AED analyzes the heart rhythm
Deliver a shock if instructed by the AED
Resume CPR immediately when directed

Employees should know the location of workplace AEDs and follow their employer's emergency response procedures.

CPR and Workplace First Aid Preparedness

OSHA addresses medical services and first aid under 29 CFR 1910.151. When an infirmary, clinic, or hospital used to treat injured employees is not in near proximity to the workplace, OSHA requires a person or persons to be adequately trained to render first aid. Adequate first aid supplies must also be readily available.

Employers should evaluate their workplace, emergency response needs, and applicable OSHA requirements when determining appropriate first aid and CPR training for employees.

Where Can a CPR Procedures Poster Be Displayed?

The CPR Procedures Workplace Safety Poster can provide a convenient emergency reference in locations such as:

Near workplace AEDs
First aid stations
Employee break rooms
Safety and training areas
Manufacturing facilities
Warehouses and distribution centers
Offices and administrative workplaces
Schools and educational facilities
Retail businesses
Restaurants and hospitality workplaces
Fitness and recreational facilities

Is a CPR Procedures Poster Required by OSHA?

OSHA establishes first aid and medical-service requirements for workplaces under applicable circumstances, but this particular CPR Procedures Workplace Safety Poster should be used as a supplemental employee safety and emergency-awareness resource and should not be represented as a universally required OSHA workplace poster.

A CPR poster does not replace hands-on CPR or first aid training, certification, workplace emergency procedures, emergency medical services, or other applicable workplace safety requirements.

Keep CPR Information Current

CPR and emergency cardiovascular care recommendations are updated periodically as medical evidence and resuscitation science develop. Employers should ensure that employee training and emergency response procedures follow current guidance from recognized CPR training organizations and applicable workplace requirements.