The American Heart Association strongly encourages businesses and public facilities to establish AED (Automated External Defibrillation) programs to increase the chances of survival for people with heart-related emergencies.  AED programs allow people to be better prepared to save the life of a co-worker, friend, family member or stranger.  AEDs have helped save many lives, and with a good implementation plan and proper training, you can help save more lives.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may require a physician’s prescription to buy an AED, and each state has its own training requirements.  For example, almost every state requires an individual to complete basic CPR and AED courses from a nationally recognized organization such as the American Heart Association.  Many states require a licensed medical professional -- often the medical director of an EMS system or the medical advisor to the workplace -- to oversee the program to ensure quality.

Courses for the workplace include Heartsaver CPR, Heartsaver AED, Heartsaver First Aid, and the new Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid.