Presence and use of automated external defibrillators in occupational setting, Belgium

• Authors: Mathieu Verbrugghe , Maurits De Ridder , Mouloud Kalaai , Katrien Mortelmans , Paul Calle , Lutgart Braeckman

Abstracts

EN

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

Keywords

EN

emergency medicine; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; automated external defibrillators; AED; occupational health; out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest

• Publisher: Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. dra Jerzego Nofera w Łodzi
• Journal: International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
• Year: 2018
• Volume: 31
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 603-611

Dates

published

2018

Contributors

author

Mathieu Verbrugghe

• Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (Department of Public Health)
• Mensura, Occupational Health Service, Antwerp, Belgium

author

Maurits De Ridder

• Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (Department of Public Health)

author

Mouloud Kalaai

• Mensura, Occupational Health Service, Antwerp, Belgium

author

Katrien Mortelmans

• Mensura, Occupational Health Service, Antwerp, Belgium
• Katrien Mortelmans Consulting (KaMoCo), Antwerp, Belgium

author

Paul Calle

• Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (Department of Internal Medicine)
• Maria Middelares General Hospital, Ghent, Belgium (Emergency Department)

author

Lutgart Braeckman

• Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (Department of Public Health)

Identifiers

DOI

10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01169

Biblioteka Nauki

2162013