Understanding Cardiac Arrest on Construction Sites

Understanding Sudden Cardiac Arrest on Construction Sites — and How to Prevent It

Every construction site runs on rhythm—the pace of work, the hum of machinery, the sync between crews. When a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) strikes, that rhythm stops cold. A worker collapses, breathing halts, and within minutes, the brain begins to shut down. It’s a scene no supervisor ever wants to face—but one that Ontario’s new safety regulations are designed to prevent.

Why Cardiac Emergencies Hit Construction Hard

Construction workers face unique risk factors for SCA. Long hours in high temperatures, dehydration, physical strain, and exposure to airborne dust all increase cardiac stress. Add in the noise, vibration, and adrenaline of a worksite, and it’s easy to miss the early warning signs of heart distress until it’s too late.

According to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, more than 60,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen across the country each year, and less than 10% survive without immediate action. (heartandstroke.ca)

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) confirms that early defibrillation and CPR within the first 3–5 minutes are the strongest predictors of survival in every setting, from offices to outdoor worksites. (ilcor.org)

That’s why Ontario’s O. Reg. 157/25, coming into force January 1, 2026, requires every project with 20+ workerslasting three months or more to have a Health Canada-approved AED on-site and ready for use.

How Sudden Cardiac Arrest Works

Sudden cardiac arrest isn’t the same as a heart attack. A heart attack restricts blood flow—SCA stops the heart’s electrical rhythm altogether. Without a pulse, oxygen supply to the brain ceases immediately.

• Within 1 minute: The person collapses and becomes unresponsive.

• After 3 minutes: Oxygen deprivation begins to damage brain cells.

• After 4–6 minutes: Permanent brain injury can occur.

• After 10 minutes: Survival chances drop below 5%.

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) restores the heart’s rhythm by delivering an electric shock through electrode pads. Modern devices like the ZOLL AED 3, ZOLL AED Plus, Powerheart G5, and Philips OnSite analyze heart rhythm automatically and deliver prompts that even untrained workers can follow confidently.

Preventing SCA Through Preparedness

The best protection isn’t reaction—it’s readiness. Preventive safety planning should combine education, environment control, and emergency access:

1. Hydration and Heat Management
Workers in high temperatures or heavy PPE face higher risk. Enforce hydration breaks and shaded rest periods to prevent heat-related cardiac stress.

2. Regular Health Check-Ins
Encourage workers to report dizziness, chest tightness, or fatigue early. Many cardiac events follow subtle symptoms that go unnoticed.

3. Strategic AED Placement
Install AEDs in visible, high-traffic areas—trailers, entrances, and break zones—where anyone can reach them within 90 seconds. Use bilingual signage for clarity.

4. Crew Training
A device is only as good as the people who know how to use it. AEDSHOP’s paramedic-led CPR and AED coursesfollow Heart & Stroke and ILCOR guidelines, giving crews real confidence to act fast and effectively.

Keeping AED Readiness Alive With TrackMyAED™ Pro

Compliance is about more than buying a device—it’s about keeping it ready. AEDSHOP’s TrackMyAED™ Protransforms maintenance into a seamless digital process by automating:

• Quarterly inspection reminders.

• Pad and battery expiry alerts.

• Maintenance and service tracking.

• Real-time dashboards across multiple sites.

With over 60,000 AEDs monitored nationwide, TrackMyAED™ Pro ensures no site falls behind. Supervisors receive proactive notifications so every device stays functional and every inspection is logged for audit readiness.

Building a Safety Culture That Lasts

A cardiac emergency doesn’t just test a worker’s heart—it tests a company’s culture. Firms that invest early in prevention, equipment, and training show leadership that resonates across the workforce. When crews know their employer prioritizes their health, they respond with loyalty and vigilance.

AEDSHOP supports that culture with:

• Health Canada-approved AEDs built for outdoor and rugged environments.

• Construction bundles that include rescue kits, signage, and TrackMyAED™ Pro access.

• Advanced Care Paramedic support with 35+ years of cardiac experience.

• WSIB reimbursement assistance under Bill 30 for cost recovery.

Act Before the Emergency

Every site that installs an AED and trains its crew is one step closer to saving a life. The countdown to compliance is an opportunity to lead—not to catch up.

🌐 Visit www.AEDSHOP.ca to learn how to equip your construction site with ZOLL AED 3, Powerheart G5, or Philips OnSite devices and integrate TrackMyAED™ Pro monitoring before Ontario’s 2026 deadline.

AEDSHOP At a Glance

• 35 + years Advanced Care Paramedic leadership.

• 20 + years in AED distribution and compliance support.

• 100 % Health Canada-approved AEDs and accessories.

• 110 % Price Guarantee and bilingual national support.