Webinar Series Starting In March

SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST is the #1 killer in the US annually and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is the difference between life and death for these victims.  Every minute that goes by without using an AED results in a 10% less chance of survival!

You simply can’t wait for EMS or First Responder community teams to arrive!  National average EMS response is 8-10 minutes in urban areas.

OSHA highly recommends these devices in the workplace and there are many industry-specific, federal, state and local mandates for AEDs due to the death toll of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).  But, even if you are not mandated — you should consider purchasing one of these devices.  They take survival rates from SCA from 3-7% to over 65%! PLUS, if you can use a cell phone – YOU CAN USE AN AED!

So, are there any drawbacks to owning an AED?  Yes, if you do not maintain them or implement them according to your applicable AED acquirer laws in your city/county/state.  Think Safe knows these laws and is known for providing the legal protection and solutions our clients and dealers need.

Think Safe, in an effort to help our customers and dealers understand the legalities of defibrillator ownership, is sponsoring a webinar series on AED Programs: Avoiding Liability.

The webinar runs 3 times per day in March with speakers Paula Wickham or Greg Stebral, industry experts, providing key tips and resource materials for existing AED programs or those interested in selling AEDs or purchasing AEDs for their facility or workplace.

There is no fee.  There is no software to download. You just need an internet connection (no phone). All you have to do is go to:

http://www.thinksafewebinars.com/State-and-Local-AED-Acquirer-Laws.html

Once you fill out the form (we DO NOT SELL your information) you will be provided a screen that shows open webinars and you can click on and select any times / dates with open seats.

There are many dates/times to pick from this month- we know how hard it is to push a webinar into your busy schedule but…. you’ll find value from this webinar and we look forward to seeing you online.

Business AED Package

If you have any questions or want to schedule a specific time for this webinar please contact Paula Wickham at pwickham@think-safe.com or call our offices and ask for Paula or Greg, 319-377-5125.   Making Minutes Matter!

School Mandates for AEDs slowed by economy

I recently read this article:  http://www.northjersey.com/news/health/111835889_Defibrillator_bill_stalled_over_funds.html

There are several very good points made in this article.

Of note is that these lifesaving devices can be purchased for $1000 or under and AED packages (cabinet, etc) are $1000 to $1500.  And, companies and facilities should want to purchase and maintain the devices under their own lead, not based upon being MANDATED to buy.

I know of several MANDATED customers (schools, fitness clubs, gyms, etc) where they – without hand holding and an easy database solution that is inexpensive – DID NOT hold up their end of the bargain historically due to the absence of an AED program Champion.    Pads expire, Batteries expire, devices go unchecked and management is crossing their fingers [and toes] that the device works when it is needed at their location (if it is even remembered to be used).

The key is that these devices save lives, they should not be mandated, they should be affordable and easy to maintain.  THEY SAVE LIVES and let’s not forget that Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the biggest killer annually in the U.S.

How can you fund an AED?  There are grants – email us for a copy of “THE FOUNDATION OF FUNDING AEDS” – FREE, COMPLIMENTARY and no strings attached!

EMAIL:   grants@think-safe.com (subject – COPY OF FOUNDATION OF FUNDING AEDS)

How can you make sure the AED is constantly in compliance and checked regularly for under $25 – 50/yr at your location?  info@firstvoice.us or check out this link:

http://www.firstvoice.us/Products/FirstVoiceAEDProgramManager/tabid/727/Default.aspx

It seems that the answer to placing the devices are not mandates but rather, proper funding and program solutions for the long term!   We can always be reached at  as well at the contact info below, and we are happy to give you our technical insights into accessible funding sources and cost reductions, where applicable!

Making Minutes Matter

Think Safe Blog /grants@think-safe.com (888.473.1777)

AED Site Risk Assessment

Many times we get asked at Think Safe the question, “How much risk do I have for someone  having a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) here?”

Due to the number of deaths every year and SCA events that occur, we like it when people appear to be educated that it is only a matter of time – at some point we are all likely to experience or witness a SCA event.  Again, we are talking about the nation’s biggest killer; affecting over 300,000 people in the US annually and killing more people than all forms of cancer combined!

The following information might provide you some helpful insight to determining your levels of risk.  What are the most likely places to have SCA events occur? Some studies have shown a higher incidence in certain locations, listed below.

· Airports
· Community/senior citizen centers
· Dialysis centers
· Ferries/train terminals
· Golf courses
· Health centers/gyms
· Cardiology, internal and family medicine practices, and urgent care centers
· Jails
· Large industrial sites
· Large shopping malls
· Nursing homes
· Private businesses
· Sports/events complexes

Watch for our next blog post on AED Site Risk Assessment for key questions to ask.

Automated External Defibrillator Programs

To see more information about how to assess your risk, contact us at 888-473-1777 or info@think-safe.com.  We can provide you a complimentary (NO CHARGE) AED site risk assessment survey.  If you would like, we can send a local rep to your facility for a NO CHARGE placement assessment as well.

The Think Safe First Voice product line includes a comprehensive AED package that protects our distributors and customers and includes:  AED Administrator Toolkit, AED inspection tag, AED Inspection Checklist, AED Acquirer State Civil Liability Immunity Laws Compliance Checklist, and more….  www.firstvoice.us

Fourth of July Weekend Safety Tips

You’re starting to go grocery shopping; picking up the hamburger meat, hot dogs, buns, and all sorts of other foods that will make the perfect Fourth of July barbecue. The kids have ten boxes of sparklers each at the ready and you’re gearing up for the all the friends and family that you will be seeing for the first time in days, weeks or months. The location is set, the swimming suits packed and – oh yeah! – you just remembered the sun block. “Am I forgetting anything…?”

Our nation’s independence is a great thing to celebrate, and I hope you do. Are you preparing for all possibilities? Don’t forget about emergency first aid preparedness. As you go out to the parks and city streets to cook out and watch fireworks, here are some things to keep in mind:

Holiday Traffic Safety

• Be aware of and avoid intoxicated drivers. Some signs include:
  • Drivers who turn with a wide radius.
  • Drivers at speeds 10 miles below the speed limit or speeding excessively.
  • Drivers who are following too closely.
  • Drivers who have a slow response to traffic signals.
• Never drink and drive. Alcohol is the single largest factor involved in motor vehicle deaths. Have a responsible designated driver when you head out for Fourth of July activities.
• Don’t allow the holiday rush to affect your driving. A few extra minutes saved by reckless driving aren’t worth the injuries you may cause to yourself and others.
• When attending firework displays and special events, remember to obey all traffic lanes and signals, and avoid cutting directly across parking lots. Never race other drivers to an open parking space. When leaving the festivities, pay attention while backing out of your parking space to avoid hitting other vehicles or pedestrians.

Outdoor Grill Safety

• The first step to cookout safety is to have fresh food. Store meats and other perishables in an insulated cooler to prevent bacterial growth.
• Keep grills away from all flammable materials, including trees and shrubbery. Store unused starter fluid and charcoal briquettes away from the grill, preferably in a fireproof container.
• Keep your children away from the grill. Gas grills can have an interior temperature of more than 800 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Never add starter fluid to an already burning grill. The fire can spread up the stream of starter fluid and into the can causing an explosion. Also, wash your hands after using starter fluid to avoid setting yourself on fire.

Firework Safety

• Be sure that the fireworks display you plan on attending is a legitimate one. Legitimate firework events will have proper authorities and medical staff in attendance.
• Never take pets to a firework display. Animals can become spooked very easily by the loud noises fireworks make. Remember the bug spray. Mosquitoes and other insects are en masse this time of year.

Source: American Association of Safety Councils

Barbecue Tips for the Weekend

As we fire up our barbecues for the weekend, and are nearing the Fourth of July, here are some tips for proper maintenance and operation from Catherine Jones of Safety XChange.

Do:

• Operate BBQ outdoors only, 10 feet from house, garage and trees
• Maintain your BBQ by replacing rusted or worn hoses and fittings
• Test for leaks and check tubes for blockage
• Keep lid open when lighting gas grill, to prevent flash off from gas build-up
• Turn BBQ off if you smell gas and don’t attempt to relight until the leak is fixed
• Keep alcohol away from grills
• Use baking soda on grease fires – not water – and keep the proper fire extinguisher handy
• Cap lighter fluid immediately and place it a safe distance from the grill

Don’t:

• Leave an operating barbecue unattended
• Move an operating BBQ
• Wear loose or flowing clothing while tending to the BBQ
• Use gasoline or kerosene as a starter
• Store LP cylinders indoors
• Store spare cylinders near the grill or appliances