Q. Do we have to have a first aid kit in my workplace?

A. If your workplace is covered under the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA) you are required to have first aid kit coverage adequate for your workplace and have staff trained to respond to any emergency (refer to Vital Link Training Services web site).

Q. What size and how many first aid kits do we need?

A. The size and quantity of first aid kits is determined by the number of employees and the size and/or number of buildings at your workplace. For assistance on how to set up your workplace, contact our products department at 1.888.520.5554 or email us at products@vitallinkonline.com.

Q. Where should our first aid kits be placed in our workplace?

A. Your first aid kit(s) should be placed in such a manner so that trained staff can access the kit(s) in a reasonable response time. The kit must be able to go to the injured person not have the person come to the kit. For assistance with the placement of your first aid kit(s), contact our products department at 1.888.520.5554 or email us at products@vitallinkonline.com.

Q. What do we have to have in my first aid kit for the workplace?

A. The Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Regulation 1101 clearly defines the minimum requirements for all workplace first aid kits. Any additional items or quantities are acceptable providing they do not fall in to the category as stated in the next question.

Q. Are there any items we am not allowed to have in a workplace first aid kit?

A. Yes Any item that has the potential to cause an allergic reaction or that can be clearly defined as only being for what would be considered a treatment instead of first aid use are not allowed in the first aid kits. For assistance on what may or may not be allowed in the first aid kit, contact the WSIB at or contact us at 1.888.520.5554 or email us at products@vitallinkonline.com.

Q. Aren’t all Defibrillators actually the same?

Although all defibrillators accomplish the same end goal (save lives and let us be honest - if any of them could not save lives they would not have got Health Canada approval for sale) there is a great degree of difference as to how each device accomplishes this goal, how well, how reliably and what we believe to be one of the most important aspects, how user friendly is the device.

Q. What should I look for in a Defibrillator?

A. When choosing an Automated External Defibrillator, you should be looking for key points.

-The device must be extremely easy to use. Any time wasted trying to figure out how to carry out tasks is time the person does not have.

-The ability to quickly and consistently analyze the person’s heart rhythm to determine whether the person needs to be shocked.

-Rapid shock time. Studies have shown if the device takes more than 15 seconds to charge and deliver the shock, the person’s chances of returning to Fibrillation (the rhythm that must be shocked) significantly increases and the person’s chances of surviving to the point of being able to leave the hospital decreases.

-Voice prompting. The less confusing the voice is the easier the device is to use. Along with this go the verbal instructions given. Are they very clear? Do they change depending on whether the user is familiar enough or having troubles. Does the device keep pace with the user or does the user have to keep pace with the device.

-The device should be very easy to maintain. A simple swap of parts such as the battery and the pads is by far the best. Any special procedures for replacing parts or disposing of parts makes your life more difficult.

-The device needs to be extremely reliable. You need to know that the defibrillator will always be ready any time you need it. The ability for the device to do an extensive self test is essential. The device must test all components to ensure being fully operational.

Q. Do we need Eye Wash capabilities in our workplace?

A. Section 124 of the Ministry of Labour’s Regulations for Industrial Establishments states that all areas that have the potential to cause eye injury by either chemical or biological means must have an eye wash fountain in this area. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z358.1-2004 spells out all the guidelines for achieving the above requirement. When purchasing Eye Wash equipment for the workplace, make sure the equipment is ANSI Z358.1-2004 compliant.

For more information regarding WSIB regulations, visit www.wsib.on.ca or contact the Products Department at 1.888.520.5554 or email us at products@vitallinkonline.com.
For more information on any of the above questions or if you do not find the answer you are looking for contact us at 1.888.520.5554 or email us at products@vitallinkonline.com.
For FAQs relating to any training issues, refer to the FAQs found on the Vital Link Training Services web site.