NAGE Contribution Makes Worksites Safer
March 28, 2008
NAGE state locals representing members in Units 1, 3, and 6 have equipped 11 work locations with life-saving automated external defibrillators (AED). The locals used safety and training funds that were negotiated as part of the collective bargaining agreement.
"This type of equipment saves lives every day and we're very proud as a union to have provided the funds to make the purchase of AEDs possible," said Theresa McGoldrick, president of Unit 6, Local 207. "We've started with these 11 locations as a pilot program and hope to expand it to many more buildings in the future."
The American Red Cross has published on its web site:
In the time it takes you to read this information, sudden cardiac arrest will have claimed another victim. Statistics show that more than 200,000 Americans die of sudden cardiac arrest every year. Up to 50,000 of these deaths could have been prevented if someone had initiated the Cardiac Chain of Survival, and an automated external defibrillator (AED) had been available for immediate use at the time of the emergency.
An AED is a device about the size of a laptop computer that analyzes the heart's rhythm for any abnormalities and, if necessary, directs the rescuer to deliver an electrical shock to the victim. This shock, called defibrillation, may help the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm of its own.
According to the Red Cross, an AED is easy to operate. It uses voice prompts to instruct the rescuer. Once the machine is turned on, the rescuer is prompted to apply two electrodes provided with the AED to the victim's chest. Once applied, the AED begins to monitor the victim's heart rhythm. If a "shockable" rhythm is detected, the machine will charge itself and instruct the rescuer to stand clear of the victim and to press the shock button.
All NAGE members who wish to be part of the "AED Response Team" will receive Red Cross training. State agencies will send e-mail messages to employees to solicit volunteers to attend the training.
NAGE-provided Automated External Defibrillators are located at:
- Department of Housing and Community Development, 100 Cambridge Street, Boston
- Department of Public Health, 250 Washington Street, Boston
- EOHHS, 600 Washington Street, Boston
- Division of Banks, One South Station, Boston
- Department of Youth Services, 27-43 Wormwood Street, Boston
- Department of Social Services, 24 Farnsworth Street, Boston
- Information Technology, 200 Arlington Street, Chelsea
- Department of Education, 350 Main Street, Malden
- Merit Rating Board, 25 Newport Ave. Extension, Quincy
- Department of Workforce Development, 19 Staniford Street, Boston
- EOHHS, 436 Dwight Street, Springfield