Gary Katcher of Greenwich, CT and Executive Chairman of Libertas Funding, LLC, has announced a new initiative that underscores the company’s commitment to the well-being of its employees. Recognizing the importance of CPR in saving lives, Libertas Funding has committed to arranging free, ongoing CPR training for all employees. This proactive step is a crucial part of fostering a safer workplace, as the knowledge of CPR can be the difference between life and death in the event of a cardiac arrest.
The Importance of CPR in the Workplace
Cardiac arrests in the workplace are not uncommon. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), approximately 10,000 cardiac arrests occur at work each year. The timing of the response to such emergencies is critical. OSHA reports that waiting for emergency response teams to arrive results in a mere 5-7% survival rate for cardiac arrest victims. However, immediate defibrillation can significantly increase the survival rate to 60% within the first year. This stark difference highlights the necessity of having trained individuals and the right equipment readily available in the workplace.
Initiating the CPR Training Program
Libertas Funding’s commitment to CPR training was catalyzed by the arrival of David Waill, a Senior Managing Director with over twenty years of experience as an active first responder and Emergency Medical Technician. Waill, who is also a recipient of the Westchester County Regional EMS Council Lifesaving Award, proposed that the company purchase an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and offer CPR training to all interested employees. Gary Katcher enthusiastically supported this initiative, recognizing the potential impact it could have on employee safety.
Collaboration with Greenwich EMS
In collaboration with Greenwich EMS, the local 911 responders, Katcher and Waill organized a CPR training session. The session was attended by more than 15 employees, demonstrating the team’s eagerness to learn and be prepared. Jeff Hudson, Senior Managing Director of Institutional Sales, reflected on the experience, describing it as both a “wonderful team-building experience” and a “valuable skill to have, both inside and outside of the workplace.” Hudson expressed his sincere gratitude to Greenwich EMS for their dedication to training the Greenwich community.
Learning the Chain of Survival
During the training, employees were introduced to the “Chain of Survival,” a sequence of critical actions that dramatically improve the chances of successful resuscitation. This chain includes:
- Recognizing the Cardiac Event: Quickly identifying the signs of cardiac arrest.
- Calling 911: Ensuring that professional help is on the way.
- Starting Early Chest Compressions and Defibrillation: Immediate action can sustain life until emergency services arrive.
Timing is of the essence; the chances of surviving a cardiac event plummet when the brain is deprived of oxygen for more than five minutes. Waill emphasized that AEDs are one of the greatest technological advancements for treating cardiac arrest in the field, capable of saving lives when used promptly.
Gary Katcher’s Commitment to Employee Safety
Gary Katcher has become an ardent advocate for including AEDs as a standard fixture in office environments. “Libertas Funding believes that its greatest asset is our employees, and we want to be sure that we are prepared to care for each other in our most vulnerable moments,” Katcher stated. He expressed pride in the willingness of so many employees to participate in the training and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to providing ongoing opportunities for learning this essential, life-saving skill.
Libertas Funding’s initiative serves as a model for other companies in Greenwich and beyond. By prioritizing CPR training, businesses can significantly enhance workplace safety and potentially save lives. Companies in Greenwich seeking similar training opportunities for their employees can reach out to Greenwich EMS to arrange CPR training sessions, ensuring that their teams are equally prepared to respond in emergencies.