Use of automated external defibrillators in the occupational setting in Germany: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are widely used to increase survival of patients with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Despite these experiences only few data exist dealing with SCA at the workplace or AED usage in the occupational setting.


METHODS
In a pilot study, occupational physicians throughout Germany were contacted and queried about the utilization of AED and the primary success rate (return of spontaneous circulation; ROSC).


RESULTS
Of 232 occupational physicians, 155 (67%) stated that the enterprise provided at least one AED. Overall, 63 AED utilizations were analyzed. An ROSC was reported in 42 patients (67%). In 48% (n = 20) ROSC was established before the arrival of the EMS.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study showed a high proportion of patients with ROSC after SCA. Increased attention should be turned to workplace SCA and AED programs.
Institut für Anästhesiologie, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany. patrick.mayr@tum.de
N Patrick
NP
Mayr
Tanja
T
Mayr
Peter
P
Tassani
Klaus
K
Martin
D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000453:epidemiology; D047548:Defibrillators / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005858:Germany; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D009787:Occupational Medicine / Q000379:methods; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome