Is there a need for automated external defibrillators in supermarkets?

Abstract

The government white paper Saving lives: Our Healthier Nation ( Department of Health (DH), 1999 ) was the first of its kind to set the standard for decreasing social inequalities in health care. In particular it placed emphasis on reducing the number of deaths in England from coronary heart disease (CHD). Sudden cardiac arrest accounts for 60% of adult deaths from CHD in Europe ( Resuscitation Council (UK) 2011 ). It is estimated that 60 000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) occur in the UK each year and the outcome remains poor ( Resuscitation Council (UK), 2011 ). In order to reduce the number of deaths from OHCA in the UK, the government implemented a national defibrillator programme ( Davies et al, 2002 ). Its success was such that many workplaces in the UK are considering having public-access automated external defibrillators (AED) on site. Currently, no research exists regarding the use of AEDs in supermarkets but studies have been carried out in areas which have a similar footfall on a daily basis and a clientele and workforce of various ages. Despite the lack of research, many large supermarket chains have carried out individual risk assessments and have consequently began to install AEDs on site. This article aims to explore this requirement further, taking into consideration cost-effectiveness and training requirements, as well as the legal aspects of having an AED in the workplace.