Meridian invests in heart health training

Meridian Waste, an integrated, non-hazardous solid waste services company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is providing training to personnel on automated external defibrillator (AED) equipment and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) first aid training in all company locations. 

Meridian Waste places great importance on the safety and health of the company’s most vital assets, its people. The company says it has invested $15,700 and 113 hours in training to protect its team members.

“Investing in superior equipment and training to help save the lives of our team members in the event of an emergency is the best utilization of training and funds possible,” Meridian Waste CEO Walter “Wally” Hall Jr. says. “Our team members are strong stewards of the environment and serve as allies in providing clean and healthy communities. I am hopeful that we will never have to use the AED equipment and CPR first aid; however, experience has taught me that the best defense is a strong offense. We encourage all employees to be alert, be prepared, and be ready to take action.”  

AEDs are used for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. The sophisticated, user-friendly medical device can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm. Sudden cardiac arrest is among the leading causes of death in the United States, says the American Red Cross. More than 350,000 people will experience cardiac arrest this year.

RELATED: The highest priority | Meridian Waste CEO discusses company’s efforts to expand in the Southeast

Photo courtesy of Meridian Waste

To ensure the success of the AED installation program, Meridian Waste has implemented, paid for, and authorized staff training time which was provided by The National CPR Foundation (NCPRF), Las Vegas. Upon completion, participants received a two-year certification card, wallet identification card and a key chain card showing proof of certification. NCPRF focuses on life skill techniques through the development of training modules. The NCPRF’s aim is to provide the best certification experience possible while also providing user-friendly tools to promote online education.

Meridian Waste provides residential, commercial and industrial non-hazardous waste collection and disposal services to more than 219,850 customers in northeast Florida; St. Louis, Missouri.; Goldston and Raleigh, North Carolina; Greenville, South Carolina; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Blacksburg, Harrisonburg and Richmond, Virginia.