EWEMS helping construction companies comply with new AED law

The new Ontario law mandating life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at large construction sites is now in effect.

And Essex-Windsor EMS is still offering free tutorial and information sessions to help area construction companies comply with the legislation and learn more about AEDs.

An AED is a portable electronic device that can restart the heart of a person who experiences cardiac arrest. The device monitors a patient’s heartbeat and, if necessary, can deliver one or more heart-resuscitating electric shocks.

Fortis Construction in November became the first construction company in the region to take up EWEMS on its offer. Twenty-four Fortis employees participated – many in person, some virtually from across the province. Others have reached out.

CCS Engineering & Construction Inc. – a Windsor company with more than 30 years of experience in building medical offices – followed up, requesting and arranging free training for its employees at two sessions, last month (as shown in accompanying photos) and this.

Both Fortis and CCS already have purchased licensed AEDs for their respective construction sites.

Last July, the government of Premier Doug Ford amended Ontario Regulation 157/25 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, to mandate that where 20 or more workers are regularly employed at a construction site, and when the job is expected to last three months or longer, a Canadian-licensed, fully functional AED and supporting items “must be installed and maintained at the project.”

This regulation came into force on January 1 and applies to any qualifying project, even those already underway at the start of the new year.

Dave Thibodeau of Essex-Windsor EMS reiterates that “we don’t want to just teach construction companies and workers how to use an AED, and how to do CPR. We want to show them how to properly do everything regarding AED use and storage. We’re here to help them understand and meet the obligations of the new legislation. It’s important they purchase a quality AED.”

Topics covered in EWEMS’ sessions include how to recognize sudden cardiac arrest, contacting 911, retrieving the AED, applying the AED and delivering shocks to a victim, as well as proper storage and signage, plus assistance with site surveys for the strategic placement of the devices on construction sites.

Essex-Windsor EMS wants to assist those in the construction industry who might have any questions or concerns about the new law, to help fill any gaps in their efforts to comply with the legislation.

The Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is Ontario’s no-fault insurance provider for workplace injuries. It now has an AED reimbursement program, whereby it will reimburse any eligible business the cost of one AED (up to $2,500) for every qualifying project. Learn more about the program!

WSIB reports that 15% of cardiac-related worker deaths in Ontario are in the construction sector – the highest of any group or category. EWEMS wants to assist in lowering that grim statistic.

Even those without medical training can follow an AED’s simple, situation-specific instructions – displayed visually on a digital screen as well as spoken aloud via a built-in speaker – to try to save a life.

Minutes matter when someone suffers cardiac arrest, and interventions by co-workers, passersby, family or friends with quick access to an AED can mean the difference between life and death. Indeed, applying a defibrillator to someone’s chest in the first 60 seconds of cardiac arrest increases that person’s chances of surviving by 90%. With every minute that passes, chances of survival decrease by 10%.

To inquire further, or to book EWEMS for a free information and tutorial session for any construction company that operates in the City of Windsor or County of Essex, email the service at DEFIB@countyofessex.ca or call 519-791-0452.