• 89 per cent of people who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die because they dont receive immediate CPR from someone on the spot
  • Euler Hermes GCC employees trained to respond to and manage first aid during choking or sudden cardiac arrest
  • The UAE, one of the first countries in the region to popularise the use of defibrillators
  • Euler Hermes GCC buys a semi-automatic defibrillator AED system

DUBAI, June 24, 2014

Euler Hermes GCC employees took part in an Adult Hands Only CPR-AED training' programme organised by the American Hospital Dubai.

The Euler Hermes GCC management took this initiative, which was aimed at improving safety of the employees, as a follow-up to the Allianz Engagement Survey results that advised for a better work environment.

The training that prepares a layman to respond to and manage first aid during choking or sudden cardiac arrest in the first few minutes until emergency medical services arrives -- focused on the latest techniques developed under the 2010 American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency cardiovascular care and the adult CPR-AED use.

The company's management not only provided training to the selected group of employees but also purchased a semi-automatic defibrillator (AED) system for the purpose that would be available in the office all the time.

A defibrillator is used when there are symptoms of circulatory failure (ischemia) in a person with suspected heart failure. The symptoms include fainting, irregular breathing, weak or absent pulse, or absence of circulatory activity.

Massimo Falcioni, Euler Hermes CEO of GCC Countries, said: The most precious asset we have at Euler Hermes is people and their healthy lives. That's why we sponsored this initiative, which could not be possible without the cooperation and support of the selected employees. I am very grateful to the American Hospital Dubai and its professional staff for training our people. We will take part in this initiative every year.

Marius Oliver, International Training Center Coordinator, American Hospital Dubai, on his part, said: Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death. Sadly, 89 per cent of people who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die because they dont receive immediate CPR from someone on the spot." 

"If you see a teen or adult collapse, call 999 immediately and push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of the classic disco song Stayin Alive. Hands Only CPR at this beat can more than double or even triple a persons chances of survival. Hands Only CPR is CPR without mouth-mouth breaths, said Oliver.

With a majority of sudden cardiac arrests occurring outside the hospital, it is important that employers offer CPR and AED training for their employees to respond to a sudden cardiac arrest emergency, the American Hospital Dubai said.

The United Arab Emirates is one of the first countries in the region to popularise the use of defibrillators after its efficiency has been proved to reduce sudden cardiac deaths in the countries where it is in use.

The Interior Ministry is actively setting up defibrillation devices in and around public places to save lives of the UAE residents.

Worldwide, mortality rates due to sudden cardiac arrest account for more than 90 per cent. The use of this device has decreased this to less than 30 per cent.

Heartsaver CPR AED is a classroom, video-based, instructor-led course that teaches adult CPR and AED use, as well as how to relieve choking on an adult. Heartsaver CPR AED teaches skills with American Heart Associations research-proven Practice-While-Watching (PWW) technique, which allows instructors to observe the students, provide feedback and guide the students learning of skills.

The course mainly meant for employees and students -- teaches skills such as how to treat bleeding, sprains, broken bones, shock and other first aid emergencies. This course also teaches adult CPR and AED use.

Upon successful completion of the course, including a first aid, CPR an AED skills test, students receive a Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED course completion card valid for 2 years.

-Ends-

Euler Hermes is the global leader in trade credit insurance and a recognized specialist in the areas of bonding, guarantees and collections. With more than 100 years of experience, the company offers business-to-business (B2B) clients financial services to support cash and trade receivables management. Its proprietary intelligence network tracks and analyzes daily changes in corporate solvency among small, medium and multinational companies active in markets representing 92 per cent of global GDP. Headquartered in Paris, the company is present in over 50 countries with 6,000+ employees. Euler Hermes is a subsidiary of Allianz, listed on Euronext Paris (ELE.PA) and rated AA- by Standard & Poor?s and Dagong. The company posted a consolidated turnover of 2.5 billion in 2013 and insured global business transactions for 789 billion in exposure at the end of 2013. Further information: www.eulerhermes.com, LinkedIn or Twitter @eulerhermes.

Press Release 2014