The Importance of First Aid, CPR and AED Training with Steve Benton

NSSGA Podcast

Welcome to the latest episode of Safety Shorts, where the special guest today is Steve Benton, the Corporate Director of Safety with Peckham Industries, who has 25 plus years of experience in construction materials and both operations and safety. Today, he shares the story of a recent life-saving event involving one of their owner-operator truck drivers, which highlights the importance of investing in training and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) devices. Steve concludes by also examining the mental health aspects of traumatic events and the need for debriefing and support for employees.

Episode Highlights:

• Peckham Industries invests in first aid, CPR, and AED training for their employees well beyond compliance standards

• One of their truck drivers was saved from a heart-related emergency due to the quick response of their employees and the use of an AED device

• AED devices are affordable and easy to use, resulting in an 83% increase in survival rate

• Investing in first aid, CPR, and AED training and devices is crucial for workplaces to save lives.

• Mental health support and debriefing are essential for employees involved in traumatic events.

• The stigma around mental health needs to be removed, and support should be offered to employees

• Making training situations as realistic as possible helps employees better execute in stressful situations

Toolbox Talk Discussion Questions:

• In this episode, Steve describes what happened when a colleague suffered a cardiac event while on-site. How do you feel about our current first aid training? Is there more we can train for?

• Reflect on Steve’s statement that “It’s important that you train regularly, making the situation as realistic as possible.”

• Does anyone have a story about advanced first aid training?

Quotes:

"When someone suffers from cardiac arrest, typically there is only a 7% survival rate. However, when an AED is used within the first minute, the survival rate increases to 90%."

"We encourage everyone listening to make first aid, CPR and AED training a priority and to invest in having several AED units at your facilities."

"Mental health seems to be a trending topic lately. However, in reality, we're still probably not doing enough to offer support and take away the stigmas."

"These events are obviously stressful, and the better prepared you are, the better you will execute."

"It's important that you train regularly, making the situation as realistic as possible."

Links:

National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association website

Peckham Industries, Inc.