Libertas Funding, LLC, a Greenwich, Connecticut-based financial firm, is taking bold steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its employees by offering free, ongoing CPR training to all staff members. The company’s commitment to this life-saving initiative was spearheaded by Gary Katcher, the Executive Chairman, who recognized the vital importance of equipping his workforce with the skills necessary to respond in emergency situations. According to statistics provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), approximately 10,000 cardiac arrests occur in the workplace each year. Tragically, delays in treatment can often result in fatalities. With immediate CPR and defibrillation, however, the chances of survival increase dramatically. Katcher’s leadership was instrumental in bringing this critical initiative to life, underscoring Libertas Funding’s dedication to prioritizing the safety of its employees.
While workplace safety is a priority for many companies, few take the extra step of ensuring their employees are prepared for medical emergencies like cardiac arrest. OSHA reports that the survival rate for victims of cardiac arrest in the workplace is a mere 5-7% when relying solely on emergency responders to arrive. This is a sobering statistic when you consider that every minute of delay can significantly reduce the likelihood of a victim’s survival. However, according to OSHA, when CPR and defibrillation are administered immediately, the survival rate within one year can increase to as much as 60%. Recognizing this, Libertas Funding has committed to an ongoing program that not only provides CPR training but also ensures employees feel confident in their ability to act swiftly in an emergency.
The Role of David Waill in Shaping the CPR Program
The push for CPR training at Libertas Funding began with the arrival of David Waill, a Senior Managing Director with more than 20 years of experience as an active first responder and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Waill, who was previously recognized with the prestigious Westchester County Regional EMS Council Lifesaving Award, saw the critical need for his colleagues to be trained in CPR. Drawing on his extensive experience in emergency medical services, Waill proposed that the company purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED) and offer CPR training to all interested employees.
Waill’s background as an EMT gave him unique insight into the life-saving potential of CPR and AEDs. While AEDs are designed to be used by anyone, even without formal training, Waill emphasized the importance of having employees undergo CPR instruction to enhance their confidence and proficiency in using this vital equipment. The training, he explained, could help employees react calmly and efficiently during an emergency, improving the chances of a successful outcome.
A Community Effort to Save Lives
To implement this initiative, Waill collaborated with local experts at Greenwich Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the town’s primary emergency response team. Together, they organized a comprehensive CPR training session for more than 15 employees, marking the beginning of Libertas Funding’s ongoing efforts to foster a safer workplace. The Greenwich EMS team was instrumental in educating employees on how to recognize cardiac events and providing them with hands-on training in CPR techniques. These sessions not only imparted crucial life-saving skills but also helped strengthen the team’s sense of unity and shared responsibility.
Jeff Hudson, Senior Managing Director of Institutional Sales at Libertas Funding, attended the training session and praised it as both a “wonderful team-building experience” and a chance to gain a “valuable skill” that could make a life-saving difference, both at work and in everyday life. Hudson expressed gratitude to the Greenwich EMS team for their dedicated efforts to prepare Libertas employees to act confidently in the event of a medical emergency. He emphasized the importance of understanding the “Chain of Survival,” a sequence of steps that can dramatically improve the chances of successful resuscitation. These steps include recognizing the signs of cardiac arrest, calling 911 immediately, and initiating early chest compressions and defibrillation as soon as possible.
Understanding the Critical Importance of Timing
Timing is everything in a cardiac emergency. The window for saving a life during a cardiac arrest is incredibly narrow—after just five minutes without oxygen, a person’s chance of survival decreases by 50%. After ten minutes, the likelihood of survival drops significantly. This is why early intervention with CPR and defibrillation is so vital. As Waill pointed out, the AED is one of the most powerful tools available in the fight against cardiac arrest. These devices, he explained, are the product of decades of medical advancement and have revolutionized the ability to respond to life-threatening emergencies. However, to maximize their effectiveness, they must be used quickly and correctly.
Waill is quick to credit modern technology with making AEDs more accessible and easier to use. These devices are equipped with straightforward instructions that guide users through the process of delivering a life-saving shock. Nevertheless, Waill stresses the value of proper training, which helps users become more comfortable with the equipment and enables them to respond faster in a high-pressure situation. As he says, “AEDs can work miracles, but only if used quickly.” His passion for educating others about CPR and AEDs is what helped bring this initiative to fruition at Libertas Funding.
Libertas Funding’s Vision for Workplace Safety
For the leadership at Libertas Funding, the decision to invest in CPR training and AED equipment is a natural extension of the company’s values. “Libertas Funding believes that its greatest asset is our employees,” said one company spokesperson. “We want to be sure that we are prepared to care for each other in our most vulnerable moments.” The enthusiasm for the initiative reflects a broader commitment to creating a workplace where safety is a priority. By empowering employees with the skills and tools they need to respond to emergencies, Libertas Funding is ensuring that its team members are prepared to protect both themselves and their colleagues.
The company’s decision to introduce CPR training as an ongoing program demonstrates that this is not a one-time effort, but rather a sustained commitment to fostering a safer, more supportive work environment. Employees will continue to have the opportunity to refresh their skills and build on what they’ve learned, helping to ensure that the entire workforce remains vigilant and ready to act in an emergency. For the leadership team at Libertas, this initiative is about more than just compliance—it’s about genuinely caring for the well-being of the people who make the company thrive. By prioritizing safety, they are setting a precedent that other companies may follow in creating environments where employee welfare is paramount.
The Value of Preparedness for All Businesses
Libertas Funding’s initiative serves as an example of what businesses can do to ensure the safety of their employees. Cardiac arrest is unpredictable, but being prepared for such an emergency can make all the difference between life and death. By taking steps to equip their workforce with the skills and knowledge necessary to administer CPR, companies can create a safer workplace and potentially save lives. The leadership’s dedication to ensuring that employees receive this essential training reflects their commitment to protecting the people within the organization. In an environment where every second counts, having employees trained in CPR and AED use can significantly improve the chances of survival in the event of a cardiac emergency.
For businesses in Greenwich and beyond, Libertas Funding’s efforts highlight the importance of taking proactive measures to protect employees. Companies interested in learning more about how they can arrange similar training sessions for their staff can explore the resources offered by Greenwich EMS, which provides a variety of educational opportunities designed to empower individuals to act in an emergency. More information on their CPR and AED training programs can be found at https://www.greenwichems.org/training-and-education-opportunities/.