Partner Article

Only 49% of businesses confident to handle emergencies

A survey of nearly 300 businesses across the UK, including schools, golf clubs, construction sites, charities and trusts, has revealed that whilst a quarter of businesses want staff to feel safe, only 49% are confident they could handle a medical emergency.

98% of businesses surveyed have a first aid box on their premises and understood the importance in having a safe workplace. However, many cited that the cost involved was the main reason for not investing in additional safety equipment such as defibrillators.

55% of those surveyed mentioned that the price tag of a defibrillator was enough to put them off buying one, despite many respondents expressing how defibrillators were “essential” and “necessary” in their business.

The survey by defibshop, the leading independent retailer of defibrillators in the UK, also discovered that many respondents bought a defibrillator due to the lack of available AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator) in their surrounding area.

David Howarth, Chief Executive of defibshop and imperative training, said: “Making your workforce feel safe and valued is the sign of a great business, and it’s brilliant to see companies recognising the need for this. Whilst more businesses are investing in an important piece of equipment like a defibrillator, there are still many more workplaces that could benefit from having one on-site.

“With nearly 60,000 Sudden Cardiac Arrests occurring outside of a hospital every year - there is still a need for more defibrillators to be widely available, particularly at work. When a defibrillator is used within 3-5 minutes of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest, the survival chances raise from 6% to 74% - which shows just how vital these machines are.”

“Whilst the cost is a deciding factor for many business owners, there are many options to make these life-saving machines accessible - whether it’s a lease or raising the funds via charity work. Here at defibshop, we are continuing our hard work to encourage the government that defibrillators should be a requirement for all businesses and public spaces in 2016.”

Find out more about the importance of defibrillators in the workplace on defibshop.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Adam Maidment .