We all know that construction sites have their share of hazardous environments where accidents can occur at any given moment. With electrical wiring, potential falls, and various construction materials and equipment, the risk of serious injuries or even fatalities are ever-present. Here are a couple of related examples. I recently read the following social media post: “I just watched the plumber get hit with 240. Some idiot left a cut live baseboard wire bare above the drop ceiling and it got him in the neck.” A few years ago, I was proud to help the Sheet Metal Occupational Institute Trust (SMOHIT) recognize several workers for saving a fellow worker’s life with quick response of first aid after he suffered a heart attack on the job. It was a great pleasure to shake all their hands.
In such high-risk situations, immediate medical first aid intervention can mean the difference between life and death. That often includes Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) playing a vital role. Let’s look at the benefits of CPR and AEDs on construction sites and discuss why every construction worker should be CPR trained and AEDs made available on construction sites (and in sheet metal shops as well).