Skip to main content
About Corporate Training Learning Center Contact Us
ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support BLS For Healthcare Provider CNA Certified Nursing Assistant Heartsaver CPR/AED Heartsaver First Aid PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support
Learning Center Workplace Safety

Workplace Cardiac Arrest: Could Your Team Save a Coworker?

Chicago's Pulse February 22, 2026 Workplace Safety
Workplace Cardiac Arrest: Could Your Team Save a Coworker?

About 10,000 cardiac arrests happen in US workplaces each year. Is your team prepared to respond? Learn what an effective workplace cardiac emergency response looks like.

Picture this: a coworker collapses at their desk. They're not breathing. Their face is turning gray. What does your team do?

If the answer is "call 911 and wait," that coworker's chances of survival are under 10%. But if your team has trained responders, an AED on the wall, and a practiced emergency plan, those odds jump to 50% or higher.

The Workplace Reality

According to OSHA, approximately 10,000 cardiac arrests occur in US workplaces each year. Many of these victims are otherwise healthy adults in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Cardiac arrest doesn't discriminate — it can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time.

The Chain of Survival

The AHA's Chain of Survival outlines the critical steps:

  1. Early Recognition & Activation: Recognize cardiac arrest and call 911 immediately.
  2. Early CPR: Begin high-quality CPR within seconds, not minutes.
  3. Early Defibrillation: Apply an AED as soon as possible.
  4. Early Advanced Care: EMS arrival with medications and advanced airway management.
  5. Post-Arrest Care: Hospital-based care and recovery.

Your Workplace Action Plan

  • Train multiple employees in CPR/AED — at least 2-3 per shift, per floor
  • Install AEDs within 3 minutes' walking distance of any point in your facility
  • Post your emergency plan and practice it
  • Refresh training annually even though AHA cards are valid for 2 years

Chicago's Pulse offers flexible onsite training for businesses across Chicago, IL, WI, and IN. We work around your schedule to minimize disruption. Call 773-445-2277 to protect your team.

Workplace Safety
Back to Learning Center

Content may be AI-assisted. All information reflects the views of Chicago's Pulse, an AHA-Authorized Training Center, and should be independently verified before making clinical or compliance decisions. For emergency medical situations, call 911.