CPR: A Lifesaving Workplace Priority

Making CPR training a workplace priority saves lives, empowers employees and strengthens workplace safety culture.

• By Jeremy R. Abbott
• Jan 27, 2025

Before transitioning to safety, working on the front lines as a firefighter and emergency medical technician provided first-hand insight into the critical importance of lifesaving training. From high-stakes emergencies to routine calls, proper preparation often proved to be the difference between life and death.

February is American Heart Month, a time to emphasize the importance of heart health and preparedness. For workplaces across industries, this is the perfect opportunity to focus on a critical lifesaving skill: cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CPR training is more than a compliance checkbox. It’s a commitment to creating safer workplaces and empowering employees to save lives.

Why Every Workplace Needs CPR Training

Cardiac arrest does not discriminate by location or occupation. According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals each year in the United States, often in workplaces, public spaces or homes. The odds of survival can double or even triple with prompt CPR. Workplaces may lack trained responders, missing a crucial opportunity to make a life-or-death difference.

CPR training equips employees with the knowledge and confidence to act decisively in emergencies. When paired with proper workplace policies, it can not only save lives during critical moments before emergency responders arrive but also reduce liability by meeting or exceeding occupational safety standards.

The Importance of CPR Training Requirements

Training requirements exist not only to ensure preparedness for real-world emergencies but also because past incidents revealed critical gaps where lives were lost or outcomes could have been improved. These standards are supported by data and evidence.

1. Improved survival rates. Studies show that workplaces with trained responders experience better outcomes during cardiac emergencies.
2. Workforce empowerment. Employees who receive CPR training are more likely to step in and help, reducing hesitation in high-stakes situations.
3. Increased AED accessibility. Many training programs also teach the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), which are often the only way to restore a normal heart rhythm.

By embedding CPR training into workplace safety programs, organizations not only meet regulatory expectations but also foster a proactive safety culture.

Key Components of Effective CPR Training

To ensure meaningful outcomes, CPR training programs should include:

1. Hands-on practice. Learning the correct compression depth and rate through physical practice ensures employees are prepared to perform high-quality CPR.
2. AED training. Employees should be taught to locate and operate AEDs, which are critical during cardiac emergencies.
3. Scenario-based simulations. Simulated drills allow employees to practice responding to real-world scenarios, boosting confidence and teamwork.
4. Regular recertification. As guidelines evolve and skills fade over time, periodic recertification ensures employees remain effective in emergencies.

Overcoming Barriers to Workplace CPR Training

Organizations may hesitate to implement widespread CPR training due to perceived challenges. Common barriers include:

• Cost concerns. While training requires an upfront investment, the long-term benefits—including potential lives saved—far outweigh the costs.
• Time constraints. Flexible scheduling options or blended learning (a mix of online and in-person training) can help integrate CPR training into even the busiest workplaces.
• Low perceived risk. Some workplaces assume cardiac emergencies are unlikely. Sharing success stories and emphasizing the unpredictable nature of cardiac arrest can highlight the importance of preparedness.

A Lifesaving Investment

This American Heart Month, take the opportunity to evaluate and enhance the workplace’s CPR training program. Providing employees with this lifesaving knowledge isn’t just about compliance. It’s about ensuring that every worker feels prepared to protect their colleagues, loved ones and community members in an emergency.

Seconds matter during cardiac arrest, and the difference between life and death often depends on who is ready to respond. Making CPR training a workplace priority creates a safer, healthier future for everyone and could potentially save the life of a colleague, a loved one, or even oneself.