The Business Risk of Being Unprepared for Cardiac Emergencies

Sudden cardiac arrest is more than a medical crisis. It is a direct threat to workplace safety, operational continuity and corporate reputation. Many organisations only recognise the risk when an incident occurs. By then it is too late.

Investing in Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), CPR training and a cardiac response plan is not only about saving lives. It is also about safeguarding your business from avoidable losses.

In this article, we explore why cardiac arrest preparedness must be a key pillar of workplace risk management.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest at Work is a Business Issue

Sudden cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating. Without immediate use of a defibrillator and CPR, survival rates drop by 10 percent every minute. In Singapore and globally, cardiac arrest can strike anyone regardless of age or health history.

The workplace is not immune. Employees, visitors and customers may all be at risk. When an emergency occurs onsite, the consequences extend far beyond the medical outcome.

Beyond the Human Impact

Saving a life will always be the top priority. However, organisations face several additional consequences after a workplace cardiac arrest:

• Operational disruption if employees witness or respond to the emergency

• Loss of productivity and extended downtime

• Legal and regulatory scrutiny regarding safety compliance

• Declining employee morale and psychological stress

• Long term reputational damage if the organisation was unprepared

These effects often last longer than the emergency itself. A single incident can permanently shift how people view a company.

Duty of Care and Legal Accountability

Every employer has a duty of care to maintain a safe working environment. This duty includes having the tools and training needed to respond to sudden cardiac arrest.

If an organisation fails to provide access to a defibrillator or delays emergency response, investigations may raise challenging questions such as:

• Was a cardiac emergency plan in place

• Was CPR training provided

• Was an AED easily accessible and maintained

Inadequate preparedness can expose employers to legal liability and compliance issues, especially in industries with high foot traffic or physically demanding work.

The Cost of Delayed Response

Time is the most critical factor in reversing cardiac arrest. Without defibrillation within minutes, brain damage can occur. Even when survival happens, a slow response can significantly increase:

Hospitalisation duration	Rehabilitation costs	Compensation or insurance claims	Lost working hours and productivity

An AED on site combined with trained responders often determines whether an employee returns to work in weeks or becomes permanently impaired.

Why Leadership Often Underestimates the Risk

Cardiac emergencies are:

• Infrequent

• Unexpected

• Difficult to predict

This makes them easy to deprioritise compared to more visible business risks.

However, low frequency does not equal low impact. In fact, sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of workplace mortality.

Forward-thinking organisations recognise that a rare event can still be catastrophic. Strategic leaders understand that preparedness is a responsibility, not a luxury.

Cardiac Preparedness is Risk Management

Proactive organisations approach cardiac safety the same way they manage fire hazards or cybersecurity risks.

They:

1. Identify exposure based on workplace layout, workforce profile and daily activities

2. Assess readiness including emergency response time and AED accessibility

3. Implement controls through CPR training and placement of Automated External Defibrillators

4. Regularly review procedures and ensure AED maintenance

This approach transforms emergency response from reactive action into measurable protection.

Preparedness Protects More Than People

A strong cardiac emergency program does more than save lives. It protects:

• Workplace safety culture

• Operational continuity

• Employer branding and trust

• Leadership accountability

When employees feel protected, they perform with confidence and loyalty. The message is clear. Investing in AEDs and training is both a moral commitment and a business advantage.

Final Thoughts

Sudden cardiac arrest does not wait for emergency responders to arrive. The difference between survival and tragedy is often decided within minutes. By equipping your workplace with AEDs, building response capability and prioritising CPR education, you are safeguarding your team and strengthening organisational resilience.

Readiness is not optional. It is a strategic decision that protects lives, businesses and futures.

Ansac Technology (S) Pte Ltd is ISO 9001 certified for quality management and BizSafe Star certified for workplace safety and health excellence.