Presence and use of automated external defibrillators in occupational setting, Belgium
Objectives Few studies focus on out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the occupational setting. Therefore, this study describes the presence and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) at Belgian workplaces during the period 2012–2014. Material and Methods A self-constructed questionnaire was...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine
2018-10-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.journalssystem.com/ijomeh/Presence-and-Use-of-Automated-External-Defibrillators-in-the-Belgian-Occupational,80290,0,2.html |
| Summary: | Objectives
Few studies focus on out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the occupational setting. Therefore, this study
describes the presence and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) at Belgian workplaces during the period
2012–2014.
Material and Methods
A self-constructed questionnaire was developed and sent to internal prevention
counselors.
Results
In total, 767 companies filled out the questionnaire. An AED was available in 48.8% of the
companies. Presence mainly depended on the number of persons present in the company (both workers and non-workers
(e.g., visitors, clients)) and on some occupational cardiovascular risks but was often not based on a well-conducted
risk analysis. Training of workers and AED maintenance were provided appropriately. An AED was used for shocking
23 times of which 10 persons survived.
Conclusions
Acquiring an AED in the occupational setting is seldom based
on a well-conducted risk analysis. Therefore, instructions and criteria are needed to come to a rational decision. Furthermore,
a registry on AED utilization in the workplace (e.g., with data on long-term survival) should be set up. Int J Occup
Med Environ Health 2018;31(5):603–611 |
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| ISSN: | 1232-1087 1896-494X |