Whether or not your workplace is required by law to display a CPR poster, it’s a good idea to have one for employees — and even customers — to reference in an emergency. A clear, easily accessible poster can save precious seconds in getting an emergency victim the help they need.
When creating or choosing this poster for your workplace, make sure its instructions are straightforward and easy to follow and that it’s displayed in a prominent place. Including instructions for administering various types of aid — not just CPR — can help ensure you are equipped to handle any emergency situation that may occur.
Here’s what you need to know about displaying a CPR poster in your workplace, including what information to cover, where to display it, and where to download one for free.
Why You Need a CPR Poster
In an emergency, every second is crucial. But emergencies are also extremely stressful and emotional situations, which means it can be difficult to remember exactly what you need to do in the moment.
Having a CPR poster handy gives everyone an easy reference guide to turn to, ensuring lay rescuers know what actions to take so that the victim gets emergency assistance as quickly and effectively as possible.
Depending on your state and business type, you may be required by law to display a CPR poster in your workplace. But even if it’s not a requirement, it’s a good idea to display one anyway for the safety of your workers, customers, and potentially even yourself.
What to Include
To be most effective, a CPR poster should have clear, detailed instructions that are easy for people of all skill levels to follow. Illustrations and graphics are useful for quickly and concisely communicating concepts like hand placements, and they also make the poster more accessible than plain text.
If you’re creating your own poster or set of posters, there are several types to consider and key information to include:
- Adult and infant CPR poster: Instructions for performing CPR on an adult versus on a child or infant.
- Hands-only CPR poster: Instructions for performing hands-only CPR, as well as giving rescue breaths, and when each kind of CPR is necessary.
- Choking CPR poster: Instructions for helping someone who is choking through CPR or the Heimlich maneuver.
- First aid poster: Instructions for administering first aid for common workplace emergencies.
In addition to first aid instructions, consider including relevant emergency contact phone numbers, as well as any unique emergency procedures your workplace has implemented.
Where & How to Display the Poster
In general, workplace posters that are required by the U.S. Department of Labor must be displayed in a prominent place where people can easily see them. Even if you aren’t required to have a CPR poster, this is a good rule of thumb to follow. After all, you want people to be able to reference the poster quickly in an emergency.
Once you display your poster, be sure to inform employees of its location. This is a convenient time to also remind them about your workplace’s emergency procedures and encourage them to brush up on their first aid skills.
CPR Poster Free Printable Download
When emergencies occur in the workplace, having clear, accessible directions to follow can save precious seconds — and lives. Make sure your poster includes all the essential information and that it’s displayed in a prominent location, so no one has to guess where to look or what to do in an emergency.
At ProTrainings, we’re all about making safety and CPR training as easy and efficient as possible. Click here to download and print a copy of our CPR poster to display in your workplace.