American RV producer Forest River has made a significant investment to install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at 120 of its facilities across the United States as part of its commitment to employee health and safety.

Within each of the facilities that have an AED installed, there will be at least one team member trained in AED and CPR response.

The company says that the initiative is being implemented in partnership with the company’s Safety and Human Resources teams and includes both equipment placement and hands-on training.

“At Forest River, people come first, and looking out for one another is more than a statement; it’s a responsibility,” said David Youman, Chief Compliance Officer. “By strategically placing AEDs where our people work and training responders how to use them, we’re strengthening our ability to act quickly when every second matters in a cardiac event.

“Although we hope these resources are never needed, our facilities are prepared to respond should the need arise. The possibility of saving even one life is reason enough to make this investment.”

Forest River cited a study by the American Heart Association that estimates that around 10,000 cardiac arrests occur in the workplace each year, as part of its motivation for making this investment.

Industry research also indicates that more than half of employees do not know where their workplace AED is located. Forest River’s initiative prioritises both accessibility and awareness, so employees understand where devices are located and how fast they respond in the event of a cardiac emergency.