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for sharing best practices and technical knowledge with the goal of improving safety and saving lives. Both consider worksites viable candidates for the use of AEDs but require employers to assess their own requirements for AEDs as part of their first-aid response. FDA Oversight Although OSHA doesn’t address this directly, AEDs are considered Class III medical devices. This means that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has some oversight on their use. Almost all AEDs require the purchaser to obtain a prescription from a physician under FDA regulations. The simple prescription process is meant not as a hurdle for employers but as a quality control mechanism. A licensed physician or medical authority ensures AEDs are properly maintained and that all designated responders are properly trained and assists with establishing an emergency response plan for the employer’s AED program. The AHA requires AED operators to also receive CPR training as an “integral part of providing lifesaving aid to people suffering sudden cardiac arrest.” Though easy to use, each AED is slightly different, so training helps users understand the unique traits and supplies for the individual units at their workplace. Additionally, AED users must be trained to understand the signs of a sudden cardiac arrest, when to activate the EMS system and how to perform CPR. Many states require or encourage AED users to complete basic CPR and AED courses from a nationally recognized organization. Some states, such as Florida, require everyone who uses an AED to obtain appropriate training, including a course in CPR or a basic first aid course that includes CPR. OSHA doesn’t offer first aid training, nor certify trainers. Training by a nationally recognized organization, such as AHA, the American Red Cross or National Safety Council is recommended. Key Takeaways Quick action using CPR and defibrillation with AEDs can save the lives of workers suffering cardiac emergencies. While OSHA doesn’t currently require the use of AEDs in the workplace, the agency considers worksites good candidates for AED use, requiring employers to assess their own AED requirements as part of their first aid response. As Class III medical devices, most AEDs require a prescription for purchase as a method of quality assurance. AED training is also required by most states and should include CPR with a hands-on practical component. Cindy Pauley is an Editor for J. J. Keller & Associates Inc. on the Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Publishing Team. She utilizes her 13 years of safety program development and management experience in oil and gas, chemical, manufacturing, construction and agricultural industries to develop easily understandable content and provide regulatory insight for J.J. Keller & Associates’ customers and partners. Keller is both a Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS) and a Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist (COHC) with a Master of Arts (MA) and Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA) from Central Michigan University. COME SEE US AT ASSP, BOOTH #1213 The LION BullsEyeTM Digital Fire Extinguisher Training System allows you to conduct extinguisher training anywhere. Pair it with the LION R.A.C.E. StationTM to help reinforce the Rescue, Alert, Confine, Extinguisher method and better prepare your trainees to respond to an actual fire emergency. WWW.LIONPROTECTS.COM/FIRE-SAFETY-TRAINING-TOOLS www.ohsonline.com JUNE 2023 | Occupational Health & Safety 69