Every year from June 1–7, the American Heart Association promotes CPR and AED Awareness Week—a national campaign to educate the public on the importance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in saving lives. Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anytime—whether on a construction site, manufacturing floor, or job trailer—and knowing how to respond in those critical first moments can mean the difference between life and death.
At STC Safety & Risk Management, we work with high-risk industries to build safer workplaces through training, compliance, and culture change. CPR and AED preparedness is one of the most powerful safety investments a company can make—and it aligns directly with our mission to help organizations protect their most valuable resource: their people.
Why CPR and AED Training Matters in the Workplace
More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals in the U.S. each year, and nearly 10,000 happen in the workplace. According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival. Yet only about 50% of people receive bystander CPR, and even fewer workplaces have accessible AEDs or trained staff ready to use them.
For companies in construction, warehousing, energy, utilities, and industrial manufacturing, these numbers are even more critical. Employees often work in hot conditions, remote areas, or physically demanding environments that can trigger medical emergencies. A delayed response could have tragic consequences.
What OSHA Says About CPR and AED Training
While OSHA does not mandate CPR training for all employers, certain standards recommend it, especially in remote or high-risk environments where emergency response services may be delayed. OSHA encourages employers to:
- Provide first aid and CPR training to designated employees.
- Maintain readily available AEDs and train staff on their use.
- Include emergency response procedures in their written safety programs.
At STC, we help companies develop these capabilities through on-site and virtual CPR/AED certification programs, compliance audits, and emergency action planning.
How STC Supports Lifesaving Preparedness
At STC Safety & Risk Management, we offer American Heart Association-compliant CPR and AED training as part of our comprehensive safety services. Here’s how we integrate this critical component into our clients’ programs:
1. CPR/AED Certification Courses
Our certified instructors deliver hands-on or blended learning courses tailored to your work environment. These programs include:
- Adult CPR and AED use
- Choking relief techniques
- Scenario-based training for industrial and construction settings
2. AED Program Development
We assist companies in selecting, placing, and maintaining AEDs in compliance with local and federal guidelines, including:
- Location assessments
- Equipment checks and maintenance protocols
- Training for designated responders
3. Emergency Action Plan Integration
We work with employers to embed CPR/AED response into their Emergency Action Plans (EAPs). This includes:
- Defining responder roles
- Establishing communication protocols
- Coordinating with local EMS and medical facilities
Best Practices for Workplace CPR and AED Readiness
Whether you’re a jobsite foreman or a plant manager, here’s how to improve your CPR and AED preparedness during Awareness Week—and beyond:
Make CPR Training Mandatory for Supervisors and Safety Leads
Ensure at least one CPR/AED-certified team member is present during every shift, especially in high-risk or remote job locations.
Install AEDs in High-Traffic Areas
Place AEDs in clearly marked locations, near break rooms, loading docks, tool trailers, or control rooms. Make sure they are accessible within 3 minutes of any location on-site.
Schedule Regular Drills
Practice emergency scenarios as part of your monthly or quarterly safety drills to reinforce speed, clarity, and confidence.
Educate the Entire Workforce
Even if full certification isn’t required for all staff, host toolbox talks, lunch-and-learns, or LMS modules to raise awareness and encourage voluntary participation.
Making a Life-Saving Difference
You don’t need to be a doctor to save a life—you just need to be prepared. CPR and AED Awareness Week is a timely reminder that life-threatening emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime—and that the actions taken in the first few minutes are critical.
At STC Safety & Risk Management, we help organizations turn awareness into action by embedding life-saving preparedness into everyday operations. From hands-on training to policy development, our solutions are built to protect workers, meet compliance, and empower leaders.
Ready to elevate your emergency readiness?
Contact us to schedule a CPR/AED training session or speak with an STC safety expert about building a life-saving program for your workforce.
