Workplace Health

Most Americans not confident about first aid skills

A device and a simple technique that can save lives in the event of a health emergency are not within the skill sets of many Americans, according to a new poll commissioned by Cintas Corporation.

The survey found that:

63 percent of Americans are not confident that they know how to operate an automated external defibrillator (AED)
Only 54 percent said they know how to perform CPR

When it comes to other basic first aid skills and emergency preparedness, more respondents answered in the affirmative when asked if:

they know what to do/where to go during a weather-related emergency (e.g., tornado, hurricane, earthquake) (79 percent)
they know how to use a fire extinguisher (78 percent)
they know how to administer basic first aid, like bandaging a cut, stopping a nosebleed, using an epinephrine pen or performing the Heimlich maneuver (75 percent).

Cintas’ interest in the subject is understandable: it’s a leading provider of workplace first aid, safety supplies and training services.

“In many emergency situations, prompt, properly administered first aid care can mean the difference between life and death,” said Tom Lally, Director of Training & Compliance – First Aid & Safety, Cintas. “No matter if your workplace is located in a factory or traditional office, first aid and CPR/AED training provides your employees with the certification, confidence and capability to provide immediate critical care during an incident, injury or illness.”

Lally reminds employers that they are responsible for determining the requirements for their company’s first aid program.

“However, not all first aid training programs meet the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) First Aid Standard, which is why it’s important to work with an organization that provides certified, OSHA approved first aid training.”

The survey was conducted online by The Harris Poll, from October 24-26, 2018 among 2,003 U.S. adults ages 18 and older.

For more information, visit https://www.cintastraining.com.