Cardiac defibrillator: what changes from January 1, 2022

In order to fight against sudden death by cardiac arrest, THE Ministry of Health implemented actions in 2007 to encourage the implementation of AED throughout the territory by facilitating their access. However, with the update of Decree No. 2018-1186 of December 19, 2018 relating to automated external defibrillators, some things will change from 1^er January 2022. \n

What is an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)?

\nTHE defibrillator is a medical device which is used to resuscitate a person who has suffered heart attack or located in cardiac arrest. Indeed, accompanied by a mouth to mouth and a cardiac massage, THE cardiac defibrillator can save lives. \n\nThere are two types of AEDs: \n

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• THE semi-automatic defibrillator: which starts automatically as soon as heart disease is detected by simply pressing a button (just like the cardioversion)
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• THE fully automatic defibrillator: the shock is delivered directly by the device without any intervention
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\r\nBy decree n°2007-705 of May 4, 2007 relating to the use of AEDs by non-physicians, anyone can use a AED if she finds herself face to face with a person having a heart attack. \n\nTo find out how to choose your cardiac defibrillator, we recommend the site Medisafe.fr where you can also buy all cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment.\n\nAlso read: Social networks: The right to information influenced?\r\n

Update of decree n°2018-1186 of December 19, 2018

\nThe installation of an AED must be carried out in all places open to the public (ERP). But also in the busiest places, but also in places where emergency response times are often longer. It must be easily accessible outside in order to be able to intervene without wasting time. \n\nThe update of decree n°2018-1186 of December 19, 2018, taken in application of the law n°2018-528 from June 28, 2018, specifies the ERP subject to the obligation to hold an AED, as follows: \n

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• From January 1, 2020, ERP categories 1, 2 and 3;
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• From January 1, 2021, category 4 ERP;
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• From January 1, 2022, certain ERP categories 5
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\nBut anyone who wishes, outside of ERP, also has the possibility of installing a cardiac defibrillator. Thus, the number of lives saved can be significantly increased. \n\nAlso read: Parental monitoring application: it’s to protect them above all\r\n

Changes from 1^er January 2022

\nA new application of decree number 2018-1186 of December 19, 2018 relating to automated external defibrillators has set a new obligation concerning AEDs. In fact, from 1^er January 2022, some Category 5 ERP will be required to have a cardiac defibrillator. \n

What are Category 5 ERPs?

\nERPs are establishments open to the public. Companies closed to the public and which only receive their staff are not considered ERPs. These are buildings welcoming people from outside, whether their access is free or paid. It is important to know that these ERPs are classified by category, which makes it possible to determine the applicable regulatory requirements, depending on the risks. \n\nCategory 5 ERPs are therefore establishments in which the number of members of the public does not reach the minimum figure set by the safety regulations for each type of operation (that is to say, less than 300 people). \n\nAlso read: Energy renovation: what if your energy savings financed your work?\r\n

Which ERPs are affected by these changes?

\nThe ERPs affected by the changes from 1^er January 2022 in terms of cardiac defibrillators are as follows: \n

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• Care facilities for the elderly and disabled people
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• Care establishments
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• Train stations
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• Hotel-restaurants at altitude
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• Mountain refuges.
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• Closed and covered sports establishments as well as multi-purpose sports halls
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\nThis obligation is the last change planned as part of the ERP defibrillator equipment reform implemented in 2018 by the French government and the Ministry of Health. \n\nAlso read: Which mutual insurance should you choose when you are a senior?\r\n

What are the obligations regarding DAE?

\nFor the establishment of a automatic external defibrillator, ERPs must respect certain obligations. Indeed, in the event of non-compliance with these obligations, heavy sanctions may be applied. All ERPs must therefore respect certain safety standards depending on their categorization. \n\nIf an establishment open to the public does not have a mandatory cardiac defibrillator, it then exposes itself to a complaint from the beneficiaries of a cardiac arrest victim For “clearly deliberate violation of the rules of prudence”. The liability of the establishment may indeed be engaged and the sanction may amount to up to €75,000 fine and until 5 years of imprisonment. \n\nBut that's not all, ERPs also have maintenance obligations which must be carried out during a period determined by the operator. To do this, these establishments must call on a professional technician who will take care of checking the equipment and its operating condition, but also checking the condition of the electrodes and the battery. This is why ERPs are advised to have a spare battery and a pair of additional electrodes. \n\nFinally, a cardiac defibrillator must be reported to the national database of Geo’DAE defibrillators according to Article L5233-1 of the Public Health Code.\n\nAlso read: Study: what if electronic cigarettes were the best way to overcome nicotine addiction?\r\n

Defibrillator price: a wide choice

\nIn terms of defibrillator price, you will have access to a wide choice of models. From 1000 euros, it is possible to find a basic AED. \n\nAlso read: Why take out school insurance for your children?\n