The chance a hotel guest survives a heart attack can significantly increase when an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) is available in a hotel. It is proven that an AED can stop the life threatening ventricular fibrillation and achieve a normal heartbeat again.
In addition:
- The device can be operated by amateurs and not just by trained first-aiders because it is so simple to use. Through a built-in loudspeaker and optical guidance, the user receives professional instructions, including how to continue to undertake a CPR until the paramedics arrive.
- The risk of making mistakes from a medical point of view is very low. The device will decide whether the casualty requires further electric shocks or manual CPR.
- The device is able to examine the heart through wired pads that come with the AED. Only when the heart is in the stage of ventricular fibrillation will the machine activate the electric shock indicating the first aider should press the button.
An AED should not be viewed as a replacement for conventional CPR carried out by a qualified first aider. In this case, the AED can play a support role.
Do
When planning to purchase an AED for your hotel, you should also plan to train your employees in its use. This can be done in a regular first-aid training or in a qualified online training that follows international standards, such as “Basic Life Support“. I recommend 24/7 operations always have a minimum of 50 – 70% of your head count trained in the use of AED’s to cover all shifts.
The focus is to provide fast and intense cardiac massage plus effective mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose ventilation.
An AED should always be in a highly visible location that is accessible 24/7 – e.g. reception. Hotels that have a spa area should consider purchasing a second device, particularly if the spa location is not close to reception.
Don’t
What can you do wrong when purchasing an AED? A cheap device is often not the best solution. You should consider purchasing a device that is of a high quality and easy to use.
AED’s that are too complicated to use and that are equipped with features found on devices that paramedics use might cause complications and frustrations for untrained users. This can also lead to delays during an emergency situation.
It is better to buy devices that are easy to maintain. Some products on the market require no maintenance. Certain AED’s provide instructions in different languages. These multi-language devices are highly recommended in the hospitality industry.
Before you decide to buy an AED, always ask for a live demonstration. If you are buying in bulk, ask your supplier if they will provide you with a training-device for free that you can use for in-house training.
About the author
Jan C. Behmann is the CEO of Medicteach Frankfurt am Main/Germany. He is an Emergency Manager and also a specialised Paramedic. Medicteach develops concepts for emergency medical aid for international clients in the hotel, legal and investment sectors.
