Think Safe’s Unique Solutions Integrator Approach to Workplace Emergency Preparedness

Think Safe recently developed an integrated solution for one of the nation’s leading providers of accounting, tax and consulting services. This new client has more than 6,000 employees and associates in about 75 cities nationwide. The client’s goal was to have a best practice first aid program to include Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and appropriate first aid supplies that ensured a high-level of readiness at all times yet was user-friendly and affordable. The company’s office suites are low risk of injury workplaces but a specific goal was to address the need to respond to the nation’s biggest killer – Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) – which claims the lives of over 300,000 people annually.  Key decision makers at the company were well aware of some key information that OSHA had released on the topic. ” Employers should consider use of AEDs at their work sites to reduce the time to defibrillation with the goal of improving survival.”

These offices are now fully equipped to deal with any medical illness or injury-related emergency situations with their investment of proper first aid equipment, AEDs, and site specific employee training. This program and client showcase how multi-facility organizations can implement affordable employee benefit programs and safety practices that offer improved emergency preparedness across a common culture without human resources drain or capital drain.   The average cost per employee for the entire program was less than $2 per employee per year over a 5 year period (the costs drop to pennies per employee after that).

Will they ever get a return on this minimal investment?  Well, is saving even one life enough of a return?  One employee shared a story of an event that occurred at their office,  “An employee was walking by a tax partner’s office when she saw him slumped over his desk. It looked like he was sleeping so the co-worker went into his office and found him unresponsive.  The co-worker immediately initiated the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and an AED was retrieved by a tax secretary.  The secretary used the AED and revived the tax partner (shock was advised by the AED) while someone else called 911.  The tax partner was very fit and in good shape so it was a surprise to everyone when they found out he had a cardiac arrest.  The tax partner survived thanks to the AED machine and the quick action by the employees. The paramedics and doctors said the partner would likely have not have survived, if the defibrillator had not been used at the office and they had waited for EMS to arrive.”

In choosing Think Safe the above medical-related first aid emergency could be addressed.  However, Think Safe was picked as the provider of choice because they offered a unique, innovative, simple & user-friendly, and affordable AED and first aid program solution for other emergencies that might occur at the workplace.  Think Safe is the manufacturer and patent owner of the First Voice Emergency Instruction Device (EID) and this “first aid tablet” can guide employees through any major or minor first aid emergency and giving reminders or when to: call 911, check scene safety, use personal protection, provide treatment and how to or what not to do,  and what to do after the incident or during for record keeping.

Each client location implemented the following First Voice equipment and services (see picture):

Easy to access medical-related emergency equipment including AED, first aid kit, Emergency Instruction Device (EID) and signage.

 

AED in carrying case with adult 4 yr pads, 4 yr battery and full 10 year warranty

Alarmed AED wall-mounted cabinet (helps aid in notification of AED use; response needed when alarm sounds)

“V-shaped” Wall sign  (8×10” faces) for above AED cabinet to help improve visibility of AED location from any angle

Tamper Evident AED Fast Response Scissors/Razor Kit with use instructions

Laminated AED Use Protocols (attached to AED case for easy reference during AED use)

Think Safe’s Patented First Voice Emergency Instruction Device (EID) (automated first aid tablet, http://www.think-safe.com/FirstVoice/EmergencyInstructionDevice/tabid/285/Default.aspx)

50 Person OSHA/ANSI Compliant First Aid Kit with Pocket Refill System  (comes with tamper-evident seals)

 

To ensure legal protection and ongoing program compliance Think Safe also provided the following services:

Online & Blended Certified Training for CPR/First Aid/BBP (ILCOR/ECC/AHA/Red Cross/National First Aid Science compliant) that comes with Course Completion Tracking & Includes Refresher Training & Tracking

Training DVD or online training link for “Brand of preference” AED picked (HR Dept keeps this DVD and uses corporate key code for free AED training to provide any new employees or for use at employee meetings as a refresher training tool)

Think Safe documents provided for workplace postings help communicate key information. (Included with Site Administrator Toolkit)

Site Administrator Tool Kit to include all AED Program Communication Tools (AED Site Assessment assistance (where to put AED), Company-wide AED information distribution & Email notice templates, CPR/AED posters, AED policy template, Emergency Response Plan (ERP) documents & integration, EMS Notification/Registration, “AED Equipped” location stickers to remind employees of AED location inside office, inspection tag system, AED location thumbnail decals for evacuation/exit charts at facilities, Free AED prescription, and more…)

Online First Voice Manager AED Program Management Software for Auto Notification Reminders, Tracking & Reporting on AED consumables (pads, battery) and any first aid or other safety program supplies or training www.firstvoicemanager.com (works on any mobile device or PC with internet access)

Mobile compatible AED Inspection Tool with Continual 24/7 AED Maintenance Log Redundancy & Backup (proves AED was maintained if there is an incident involving use and someone does not survive; legal protection)

State/Local AED Owner Civil Liability Immunity Law Compliance & AED Program Medical Director Oversight, as needed

Equipment Recall Advice, Guidance and Warranty Servicing

Free AED Post-Event Review Technical Support & Incident Assistance

Free replacement pads/battery after any AED use event

Phone Technical Support or Online Technical Support

Contact us and mention this blog post and we’ll make sure you get a free site assessment and Site Administrator Toolkit information. 

Let Think Safe provide you more information on this unique, effective solutions integrator approach to workplace emergency preparedness, AED programs, or first aid programs.  Please  fill out the form below,email us or call us at 319-377-5125. 

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Think Safe, Unique Life-saving Iowa Company, Receives Patent

US Patent 8,647,123B1 Issued to Iowa Company and Founders Paula Wickham & Annette Carter

Think Safe, a Cedar Rapids, IA based company and homegrown Iowa business that started from scratch, based upon the idea of an Iowa citizen, received its first patent in early 2014.  The idea formed what is now known as an Emergency Instruction Device (EID), a technology product being marketed all over the US and in other countries. On February 11, 2014, US Patent8,647,123 was issued and assigned to Retrac, Inc. (now doing business as Think Safe Inc. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa) and company founders and inventors.

Emergency Instruction Device (EID)

The EID patent is a major milestone for Think Safe, which was originally founded in 2004 centrally focused on the idea of the EID.  The EID is often called a CPR & First Aid Assistance device, first aid tablet or talking first aid book and is the only dedicated technology device on the market today that offers first aid and CPR instructions to minimally trained or even untrained people during workplace or public rescue situations.  Key details of product functionality include American Heart Association compliance to cognitive feedback device recommendations, as seen here:  http://www.firstvoice.us/Products/FirstAidCPRAssist/tabid/790/Default.aspx.

The idea behind the EID  product was conceived by Annette Carter, a former flight nurse for St. Luke’s Hospital, to bring resources and knowledge during critical gaps in time between when a trauma occurs and when advanced medical help arrives.  Annette, during her long career of pre-hospital trauma care, saw how such a device could  help make a difference. Today, the Think Safe logo is “Making Minutes Matter” to emphasize the foundation values that remain important to the company going forward.

Dr. Donald Linder with the Emergency Instruction Device outside his hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA

The EID and responder kit systems that can be bundled with the EID provide not only essential and organized medical supplies,  but also audio and text instructions to coach people through emergency situations until help arrives.  Annette’s vision became a reality with the help of several co-inventors listed on the patent: Paula Wickham , Kirk Dighton, and Troy Mundt, who all served various roles in pre-market research or market introduction and sales or distribution of the EID.  The device has been beneficial during many lifesaving situations and testimonials shared by clients, and has had key endorsements in its short lifespan to date (click here for more details). 

The EID or “first aid tablet” can guide people through any major or minor first aid emergency and giving reminders or when to: call 911, check scene safety, use personal protection, provide treatment instructions including information on what not to do,  or what to do after the incident, including key tips on information record keeping or scene cleanup procedures.  Since its’ invention, the EID functionality has been converted to software that can work with any computer or technology device with WiFi access or downloaded software (ResQr) developed by Think Safe.  However, the EID continues to be Think Safe’s signature technology product and the company is proud of the lives it has helped to save as well as the awards we have received that showcase the innovation of the company.

First Voice Systems include an EID and other equipment such as an AED or first aid kit

The EID is often paired with various specialty first aid or responder kits or an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), depending on risks that exist at the client’s organization or workplace.  Think Safe is an established manufacturer, wholesaler, training services provider, and overall integrator, bringing clients the products and services packages that they need or want to help mitigate risks, decrease panic, and provide confidence during emergency, first aid, or medical illness situations.  The device even allows for users to switch languages mid-instruction for translation of instructions to any other languages also on the EID.  In the United States, the device is sold with English and Spanish as the key default languages.

Think Safe has other patents that are in process and has already filed continuations on the existing patent that protects additional product developments and other unique features of the technology offering.  “You can expect to see more patents issued to Think Safe as the company matures and our product offerings mature and grow in popularity and change based upon customer needs or desires”, states Paula Wickham, Think Safe President.

Think Safe is committed to using technology to develop, manufacture and provide innovative products and solutions which improve training and access to CPR, First Aid, and other essential care during emergency situations, setting new standards for comprehensive emergency readiness and response.  We manufacture innovative products for first aid technology and are a major wholesaler for devices like our First Voice Emergency Instruction Device (EID) and all brands/makes/models of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), including services that make things easier for our dealers and customers.  Think Safe’s products are available under the First Voice product line brand name, ResQr, or RescueMate brand name in various countries today.  Think Safe primarily sells the First Voice product line through established distributors or dealers and continues to selectively add new dealers, based upon geographic area or industry focus of the dealer.

Check out our http://www.think-safe.com or http://www.firstvoice.us websites for more information on the products outlined on this blog post or other products and services developed by Think Safe to include: First Voice AED online web-based program management software and First Voice Compliance Management System Software (SaaS offerings);  First Voice AED program medical oversight services;  First Voice or American Heart Association First aid & CPR training (online Elearning, blended learning, or in-person instruction); and other safety-related products and services.

Think Safe won a SAXCIES award for “Best New Safety Product” for the Emergency Instruction Device (EID) invention

For more information on the Think Safe EID, check out the product on our website or fill out the form below!

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Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs): Pediatric & Infant Use

With the 2010 Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) and American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines Updates there comes new published science on the use of AEDs on infants and children. 

People who are familiar with AEDs and defibrillators know that both adult and pediatric pads had to be considered pre-2010 AHA science updates[separate pads are required to allow the AED to administer different shock dosage to the heart, lower for pediatric events of course].  Having both pads available creates extra costs as both have an expiry date and need replacement after 2 years usually. We often get asked, ” Do we really need pediatric pads?”

Former science [pre-2010 and post-2005] suggested not to use AEDs on infants and to use pediatric pads on children under 8 years of age or under 55 pounds.  Evidence of this from prior blogs or internet posts includes: http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Defibrillator, which contains old outdated information summarized below.

OLD INFORMATION: Do not put adult pads on a pediatric patient and vice versa! Pediatric pads are used on children who are ages 12 and under. [this is pre-2005 information]

NEW GUIDELINES INFORMATION: http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@ecc/documents/downloadable/ucm_317350.pdf   clearly updates the guidelines to show that it is acceptable to use AEDs and even adult pads on pediatric patients, including infants.  The KEY is anterior and posterior placement.  For more details, see the information below pulled directly from the recent guidelines update.

AED Use in Children Now Includes Infants

2010 (New): For attempted defibrillation of children 1 to 8 years of age with an AED, the rescuer should use a pediatric dose-attenuator system if one is available. If the rescuer provides CPR to a child in cardiac arrest and does not have an AED with a pediatric dose-attenuator system, the rescuer should use a standard AED. For infants (<1 year of age), a manual defibrillator is preferred. If a manual defibrillator is not available, an AED with pediatric dose attenuation is desirable. If  neither is available, an AED without a dose attenuator may be used. 

2005 (Old): For children 1 to 8 years of age, the rescuer should use a pediatric dose-attenuator system if one is available. If the rescuer provides CPR to a child in cardiac arrest and does not have an AED with a pediatric attenuator system, the rescuer should use a standard AED. There are insufficient data to make a recommendation for or against the use of AEDs for infants <1 year of age. Why: The lowest energy dose for effective defibrillation in infants and children is not known. The upper limit for safe defibrillation is also not known, but doses >4 J/kg (as high as 9 J/kg) have effectively defibrillated children and animal models of pediatric arrest with no significant adverse effects. Automated external defibrillators with relatively high-energy doses have been used successfully in infants in cardiac arrest with no clear adverse effects.

If you are a school or camp or childcare provider, what does this mean?  Until new science [in 2013 or after] is released you should consider looking at your current AED program.  Do you have pediatric pads currently?  Those will expire in 2 years or less – should you replace them?  In these economic times, there are many non-profits and schools who will not have adequate budgetary capacity and it may be a topic of consideration.  Due to the new science, strong consideration can be given to this — IF you can accommodate for proper AED use communication to responders or the public who would use the device with ADULT PADS on a child under 8 years or 55 pounds.

How do you accommodate?  A simple solution: a  sticker/decal set that can be attached to your AED case and responder supplies to remind responders on WHAT TO DO for pediatric events.  The set includes directions on where to find illustrations with 2010 instructions and how to apply the ADULT pads (complete with pictures) anterior [front] and posterior [back] for pediatric events and why.  Call 888-473-1777 for more technical information on this solution.

The reason for anterior and posterior placement, simply put, is to allow the pads to shock the heart WITHOUT the pads touching – the surface area of a pediatric victim’s chest is not large enough usually to allow normal ADULT pad placement.

Simple directions and illustrations and quick references on the AED, AED instruction manual or guides, AED policy and AED protocols and CPR/AED poster you keep at your facility all will help with communication of this simple change for pediatric vs. adult use.

The ONLY exception are customers who have Philips FRx (the ONLY model to allow switching of shock level with an Infant/Child Key inserted into the AED while using the SAME SET OF PADS).  Philips FRx models offer a wonderful solution for facilities that want to be able to accommodate pediatric or adult situations without a large CONSUMABLE cost from 2 yr disposable pads for each event.  The FRx is a more expensive model with a higher purchase price – however, IF you know you are going to be primarily using the device on pediatric patients, this model would be a leading device to consider.

We are here to help!  First Voice can provide a sticker/decal/ template set to easily show on your AED and responder supplies WHAT TO DO for pediatric events.  The set includes directions on where to find illustrations with 2010 instructions and how to apply the ADULT pads (complete with pictures) anterior [front] and posterior [back] for pediatric events and why.  Call 888-473-1777 or contact your dealer for First Voice products for more information – Part number PED-DECAL01. Please provide your AED brand so we can make sure to ship the right decal set.

To find out how you can get your AED Pediatric Decal set, fill out the form below!

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Emergency Physician talks about ResQr

[tweetmeme]

If the video isn’t working, watch it on YouTube.

Dr. Donald Linder is an emergency physician at a Top 100 hospital in town and has been in the position for 13 years. Before that he was a paramedic, and has extensive experience in emergency response.

Check out ResQr First Aid & CPR Coach in the iTunes App Store!

Macworld Review of ResQr First Aid & CPR Coach!

On July 14th Macworld released it’s review of ResQr First Aid & CPR Coach for iPhone and iPod Touch, giving it a 4.5 out of 5 mice! Making it as the highest-rated first aid app for iPhone according to Macworld!

Here are some links to check out to learn more:

Macworld’s review of ResQr First Aid & CPR Coach

Macworld’s comparison of ResQr to other first aid apps

ResQr First Aid & CPR Coach review by The App Podcast

Vodpod videos no longer available.

more about “ResQr First Aid & CPR Coach“, posted with vodpod

Only $5.99 in the iTunes App Store!

First look at CPR Hero – Our upcoming CPR iPhone app!

CPR Hero will be a free app offered by ResQr software in the iTunes App Store soon. This app gives you certified audible directions on administering adult CPR with visual pacing cues!

Vodpod videos no longer available.

more about “first look at CPR Hero …“, posted with vodpod

NEW First Voice Emergency Instruction Device (part 5 of 5)

Vodpod videos no longer available.

more about “NEW First Voice Emergency Instruction…“, posted with vodpod

We’re really excited to be launching the newly redesigned First Voice Emergency Instruction Device (EID)! So much so that our President/CEO of Think Safe, Paula Wickham, grabbed a camera and shot this walk-through for you.

The award-winning EID is designed to effectively coach users on hundreds of first aid emergencies from start to finish. In the event of an emergency, this simple, easy-to-use touch pad gives direction on how to respond quickly and accurately. Making minutes matter.

Stay tuned for the total walk-through of the most comprehensive way you can keep yourself, your children and the people in your life safe. Two more parts to come!

More on Think Safe

This is the final part! We cut it into five sections so you didn’t have to watch one 10+ minute video, but we’ll be cutting one of those too.

Leave your thoughts, questions and comments on the device below!

NEW First Voice Emergency Instruction Device (part 4 of 5)

Vodpod videos no longer available.

more about “NEW First Voice Emergency Instruction…“, posted with vodpod

We’re really excited to be launching the newly redesigned First Voice Emergency Instruction Device (EID)! So much so that our President/CEO of Think Safe, Paula Wickham, grabbed a camera and shot this walk-through for you.

The award-winning EID is designed to effectively coach users on hundreds of first aid emergencies from start to finish. In the event of an emergency, this simple, easy-to-use touch pad gives direction on how to respond quickly and accurately. Making minutes matter.

Stay tuned for the total walk-through of the most comprehensive way you can keep yourself, your children and the people in your life safe. Two more parts to come!

More on Think Safe: bit.ly/XLlzE

One more part to go! The reason there are a couple of cuts in this clip is because it’s a little difficult to hold the camera in one hand and operate a screwdriver in the other, while keeping the EID stable. I’m sure you understand 😛

We’re really excited to be launching the newly redesigned First Voice Emergency Instruction Device (EID)! So much so that our President/CEO of Think Safe, Paula Wickham, grabbed a camera and shot this walk-through for you.

NEW First Voice Emergency Instruction Device! (part 3 of 5)

Vodpod videos no longer available.

more about “NEW First Voice Emergency Instruction…“, posted with vodpod

We’re really excited to be launching the newly redesigned First Voice Emergency Instruction Device (EID)! So much so that our President/CEO of Think Safe, Paula Wickham, grabbed a camera and shot this walk-through for you.

The award-winning EID is designed to effectively coach users on hundreds of first aid emergencies from start to finish. In the event of an emergency, this simple, easy-to-use touch pad gives direction on how to respond quickly and accurately. Making minutes matter.

Stay tuned for the total walk-through of the most comprehensive way you can keep yourself, your children and the people in your life safe. Two more parts to come!