Understanding Sudden Cardiac Arrest on Construction Sites

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

A Guide for Ontario Constructors — AED4Life

Cardiac emergencies claim more Canadian workers each year than any other workplace incident. With the new Ontario Regulation 157/25 taking effect on January 1, 2026, every construction project with 20 or more workers and lasting over three months must have a Health Canada-approved Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on-site.

This new standard ensures that crews are never left without lifesaving protection. AED4Life, Canada’s #1 AED distributor, supports constructors through education, prevention planning, and AED deployment—helping you meet compliance requirements while building a stronger, safer safety culture.

The Reality of Sudden Cardiac Arrest on Construction Sites

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is an abrupt failure of the heart’s electrical system, stopping blood flow to the brain and vital organs. It can strike anyone—fit or unfit, young or old—without warning.

• Brain damage begins within 4 to 6 minutes of cardiac arrest.

• The average EMS response time on large or remote worksites can exceed 10 minutes.

• Without an AED, the chance of survival drops 7–10 percent every minute that defibrillation is delayed.

That’s why Ontario’s construction AED mandate is not just about compliance—it’s about saving lives. Modern devices such as the ZOLL AED 3, ZOLL AED Plus, Powerheart G5, and Philips OnSite analyze the heart rhythm within seconds and guide rescuers through each step with clear visual and voice prompts, bilingual operation (EN/FR), and real-time CPR feedback. Even untrained workers can respond confidently.

Prevention Through Preparedness

The most effective cardiac-safety programs combine prevention, accessibility, and readiness. AED4Life recommends the following construction-specific best practices:

• Encourage hydration and rest breaks to reduce heat stress and fatigue—common cardiac triggers.
• Conduct regular health and wellness checks during safety talks, especially for workers over 40 or those performing heavy labour.
• Install AEDs in high-traffic zones, such as site trailers, first-aid areas, or main access points, ensuring a responder can reach the unit within 3 minutes from anywhere on-site.
• Train crews in CPR and AED use as part of your first-aid certification or toolbox meetings. AED4Life supplies PRESTAN manikins and instructor packages aligned with Heart & Stroke Foundation guidelines.
• Integrate AED procedures into your First-Aid Plan, including designated responders and emergency communication flow.

Preparedness is prevention in action—reducing risk, improving response times, and creating a workforce confident to act when seconds count.

TrackMyAED™ — Keeping Prevention Active and Measurable

Even the best equipment is only valuable if it’s ready to perform. AED4Life’s TrackMyAED™ and TrackMyAED™ Pro platforms automate AED oversight for construction safety officers.

• Automated email and SMS alerts for pad/battery expiry dates

• Digital inspection logs to replace paper checklists

• Centralized dashboards for multi-site constructors

• Audit-ready compliance reporting for Ministry of Labour reviews

With over 60,000 AEDs monitored nationwide, TrackMyAED™ ensures no device is overlooked and every AED remains Health Canada-compliant, fully charged, and rescue-ready 24/7.

Building a Culture of Cardiac Safety

Beyond regulatory compliance, embracing AED readiness demonstrates corporate leadership. Workers notice when their employer invests in their wellbeing. A visible AED program boosts morale, strengthens trust, and aligns with industry best practices for COR™, ISO 45001, and WSIB Safety Excellence certification.

When cardiac safety becomes part of your daily safety culture, prevention turns into protection.

Empower Your Workforce

Don’t wait for January 2026—start building cardiac readiness now.

Contact AED4Life to:

• Equip your job sites with ZOLL AED 3 or Powerheart G5 units built for construction environments.

• Activate TrackMyAED™ Pro for automated inspection and expiry tracking.

• Integrate CPR/AED training and cardiac-safety planning into your company’s Health & Safety Program.

Visit www.AED4Life.ca — Canada’s trusted source for AEDs, compliance, and construction-site safety.

AED4Life Fast Facts

• 40,000+ cardiac arrests occur annually in Canada.

• 20+ years serving Canadian workplaces.

• 100% Health Canada-approved AED devices and accessories.

• 110% Price Guarantee — Canada’s best AED value.