Presence and use of automated external defibrillators in occupational setting, Belgium
Journal Title: International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health - Year 2018, Vol 31, Issue 5
Abstract
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
Authors and Affiliations
Mathieu Verbrugghe, Maurits De Ridder, Mouloud Kalaai, Katrien Mortelmans, Paul Calle, Lutgart Braeckman
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP407546
- DOI 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01169
- Views 93
- Downloads 0
Screening commercial drivers for obstructive sleep apnea: Validation of STOP-Bang questionnaire
Objectives: The main aim has been to examine psychometric properties of STOP-Bang (snoring, tiredness, observed apnea, high blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), age, neck circumference, male gender) scoring model (Serb...
Subcutaneous administration of infliximab-attenuated silica-induced lung fibrosis
Objectives: To investigate the influence of the anti-tumor necrosis factor-α infliximab (IFX) in the case of rats with silicosis. Material and Methods: Forty-eight Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. The stu...
WORKPLACE EXPOSURES AND MALE INFERTILITY — A CASE-CONTROL STUDY
[b]Objectives: [/b]This study examined the association between male infertility and certain occupational exposures. [b]Material and Methods:[/b] A case-control study was carried out from January 2008 to February 2009; on...
ASSESSMENT OF REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY AND GONADOTOXIC POTENTIAL<br /> OF N-METHYL-2-PYRROLIDONE IN MALE RATS
Objectives: N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) is a solvent used in petrochemical, electric and electronic industries, and in the production of paint removers, pesticides and veterinary drugs. The substance exhibits slight acu...
EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF A TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR PATIENTS WITH PROLONGED FATIGUE ON PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND FATIGUE COMPLAINTS
[b]Objectives[/b]: Complaints of prolonged fatigue are considered as a major health problem, as it can affect daily functioning and may lead to work disability. To increase knowledge about the effectiveness of interventi...