Hotels and Tourism

A hotel welcomes travellers of all ages, sometimes after many hours on the road. A spa receives guests who have come to relax. A campground or resort can host entire families, sometimes many kilometres from emergency services.

These environments share a common reality: visitors don't necessarily know the premises, teams change from shift to shift and an emergency can happen at any hour.

Installing an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a hotel or tourist facility helps better prepare staff to respond when someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest.

But it isn't enough to simply place a device near the front desk. You have to think about accessibility, building layout, the presence of aquatic facilities and response procedures.

At Cardio Choc, we offer the Philips HeartStart OnSite HS1 and the Stryker LIFEPAK CR2, two solutions to consider for hotels, inns, spas and other tourist facilities.

Here is how to make a choice that suits your environment.

Why install a defibrillator in a tourist facility?

Sudden cardiac arrest can strike a person of any age, even without obvious warning signs.

When the heart stops pumping blood effectively, the person loses consciousness and no longer breathes normally.

You must then call 911 immediately, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an AED as soon as one is available.

The defibrillator analyzes the heart rhythm and determines whether an electric shock is advised.

With its voice prompts and, depending on the model, visual prompts, it guides the rescuer through the emergency.

A varied clientele, often away from familiar surroundings

In a tourist facility, guests don't always know the premises.

They may stay a few hours or several days, visit different areas of the building and take part in a variety of activities.

Some travel alone, others as a family or in a group.

The defibrillator must therefore be easy to spot and accessible to the employees who may need to respond.

An AED can also benefit staff, suppliers and visitors who aren't staying at the facility.

Emergencies that can happen at any hour

Unlike some businesses, hotels and resorts may operate 24 hours a day.

An incident can occur overnight, when staffing is reduced.

You therefore need a procedure adapted to evening and night shifts.

A device stored in an office that is locked after 5 p.m. may not be available when someone needs it.

The goal is to maintain quick access and an organized response, regardless of the time of day.

Which defibrillator should you choose for a hotel or spa?

The choice depends on factors such as floor area, type of clientele, the facilities offered and the number of devices to manage.

For tourist facilities, several features are particularly worth considering:

• Simple, clear voice prompts.
• Use by people without medical training.
• The ability to respond to both adults and children.
• Good environmental resistance where needed.
• Easy tracking of pads and batteries.
• Bilingual or connectivity capabilities, depending on your needs.

At Cardio Choc, two models are currently offered in this collection.

Philips HeartStart OnSite HS1: a simple solution for hotels

The Philips HeartStart OnSite HS1 is a semi-automatic AED designed to guide users with step-by-step voice prompts.

Once it is turned on, it explains how to prepare the victim, open the pad cartridge and position the pads.

The device then analyzes the heart rhythm.

If a shock is needed, it asks the user to press the button provided for that purpose.

The HS1 is particularly well suited to controlled indoor environments.

It may be a good fit for:

• A small or mid-sized hotel.
• An inn or bed and breakfast.
• A facility with a central front desk.
• A conference centre.
• A lodging facility where the amenities are grouped together.

The HS1 uses an adult pad cartridge. A separate pediatric cartridge should be planned if the facility wants to have the appropriate accessories for responding to a child.

Discover the Philips HeartStart HS1 for hospitality and tourism.

LIFEPAK CR2: a versatile AED for tourist facilities

The Stryker LIFEPAK CR2 has several features of interest for hotels, resorts and facilities that welcome a varied clientele.

It offers voice and visual guidance, as well as cprINSIGHT technology, designed to reduce certain interruptions in chest compressions during heart rhythm analysis.

The CR2 also has a built-in child mode. It uses QUIK-STEP pads suitable for both adult and pediatric responses, according to the manufacturer's settings and instructions.

This feature can be valuable in a facility that regularly welcomes families.

The CR2 can also be configured with two preprogrammed languages, including French and English.

Some versions have Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity, which can make it easier to monitor several devices once compatible services are set up.

See the LIFEPAK CR2 package for hospitality and tourism.

Comparison: Philips HS1 vs. LIFEPAK CR2

Feature — Philips HeartStart HS1 — LIFEPAK CR2

• AED type — Philips HeartStart HS1: Semi-automatic; LIFEPAK CR2: Fully automatic or semi-automatic depending on configuration
• Voice prompts — Philips HeartStart HS1: Yes; LIFEPAK CR2: Yes
• CPR assistance — Philips HeartStart HS1: Voice prompts; LIFEPAK CR2: Guidance and cprINSIGHT technology
• Pediatric use — Philips HeartStart HS1: Separate cartridge; LIFEPAK CR2: Built-in child mode
• Bilingual prompts — Philips HeartStart HS1: Depending on available configuration; LIFEPAK CR2: Two preprogrammed languages depending on configuration
• Environmental protection — Philips HeartStart HS1: IP21; LIFEPAK CR2: IP55
• Connectivity — Philips HeartStart HS1: No standard network connectivity; LIFEPAK CR2: USB, Wi-Fi or cellular depending on version
• Best suited for — Philips HeartStart HS1: Controlled indoor settings and simple installations; LIFEPAK CR2: Multi-site facilities or more varied needs

Both devices can suit a tourist facility. The choice depends on operational needs and installation conditions.

Which AED should you choose for your type of facility?

Hotels and inns

In a hotel, the defibrillator must be accessible from the main areas used by guests and staff.

For a small hotel, a central location may make sense.

In a multi-storey building, you need to assess how long it takes to retrieve the AED from guest rooms, meeting rooms and common areas.

The Philips HS1 can suit a simple indoor installation.

The LIFEPAK CR2 is worth considering when the facility welcomes many guests, has several buildings or wants to manage connected devices.

Spas and wellness centres

A spa may include pools, saunas, relaxation rooms, treatment areas and outdoor facilities.

The presence of water and humidity calls for special attention when choosing the AED and where to place it.

The device must be stored under conditions consistent with the manufacturer's specifications.

The LIFEPAK CR2, with its IP55 rating, offers protection against dust and water splashes, but it is not a submersible device.

During a response near a pool, you must follow safety instructions, including removing the victim from the water when possible without putting yourself in danger, preparing the chest before placing the pads and following the AED's prompts.

Staff must also know the procedures that apply to aquatic emergencies.

Resorts and tourist complexes

Some tourist complexes bring together several buildings: lodging, restaurants, relaxation areas, sports facilities and event venues.

The size of the property can make it hard to reach a single AED.

You therefore need to assess the distances between the different areas.

In these facilities, several devices may be needed to ensure appropriate coverage.

Centralized management also makes it easier to track inspection dates and consumable replacement.

Campgrounds and outfitters

Campgrounds, outfitters and outdoor facilities present particular challenges.

Visitors may be far from the reception or the main buildings.

You must also account for road access, weather conditions and cellular coverage.

An AED can be installed in a central building or assigned to a response team, depending on the layout of the site.

However, a device kept in a vehicle or an unheated building must stay within the manufacturer's temperature limits.

Planning should also specify how employees will quickly find a person in distress in a remote area.

Where should you install a defibrillator in a hotel?

The ideal location depends on the layout of the facility.

The AED must be visible, easy to reach and installed in a place that is compatible with its storage conditions.

The front desk: a strategic location

The front desk is often a known reference point for staff and guests.

It can be a good place to install an AED, especially in a small facility.

You must, however, make sure the device remains accessible outside the desk's opening hours.

In a hotel with a front desk open around the clock, it can be installed near reception, with appropriate signage.

Upper floors and separate buildings

In a large hotel, installing a single defibrillator on the ground floor can lead to significant retrieval delays.

You need to consider elevators, stairs and corridors.

Facilities with several wings or pavilions should assess each building separately.

The goal is to shorten the time between recognizing the cardiac arrest and the AED reaching the victim.

Gathering areas

Restaurants, conference rooms, spas and sports facilities sometimes host large numbers of people.

They are important areas to consider when planning.

The device should be easy to find, even for an employee who doesn't normally work in that area.

How many defibrillators does a tourist facility need?

There is no universal number of AEDs tied to the number of rooms or visitors.

A 40-room hotel spread over several pavilions may have different needs than a 150-room hotel in a compact building.

The main factors to assess are:

Criterion — Question to ask

• Floor area — Question to ask: How long does it take to retrieve the AED?
• Number of floors — Question to ask: Could elevators and stairs delay access?
• Separate pavilions — Question to ask: Is each building adequately covered?
• Activities — Question to ask: Is there a pool, a spa or sports facilities?
• Hours — Question to ask: Does the AED remain accessible at night?
• Seasonality — Question to ask: Do the open areas change with the season?
• Staff — Question to ask: Do the employees on duty know where the device is?

A retrieval drill can help determine whether several devices are needed.

Is a defibrillator mandatory in a hotel or spa in Quebec?

In Quebec, you need to distinguish between first aid obligations and requirements that specifically concern defibrillators.

There is no general obligation that automatically requires an AED in every hotel, spa and tourist facility.

Certain specific rules may nevertheless apply depending on the activities, the facilities and the regulatory framework.

Facilities must in particular comply with the first aid requirements that apply to them.

A manager should therefore check the obligations specific to their facility and not assume that an identical rule applies to all lodging establishments.

Even without a specific obligation, installing an AED can be part of a voluntary emergency preparedness effort.

How do you prepare hotel staff for a cardiac emergency?

In a hotel, teams change from shift to shift.

Front desk, housekeeping, food service, spa and security employees don't all work in the same spaces.

It is therefore important to share emergency procedures with every department.

Train employees in CPR and AED use

Defibrillators intended for the general public are designed to guide users.

CPR and AED training is nevertheless strongly recommended.

It helps employees recognize a cardiac arrest, call for help and begin chest compressions.

In a facility that welcomes international tourists, training can also specify how teams will communicate with one another.

Plan a procedure for night shifts

When an incident occurs at night, staffing may be reduced.

The emergency plan should therefore specify:

• Who calls 911.
• Who retrieves the defibrillator.
• Who responds to the victim.
• Who directs the emergency services.
• How to quickly reach the room or area concerned.
• Who looks after the other guests during the response.

These responsibilities should be known to the employees on duty for each shift.

Don't overlook seasonal staff

Tourist facilities sometimes employ seasonal workers.

When a new team starts, it is useful to include safety instructions and AED locations in the onboarding training.

Regular communication also helps remind everyone of the procedures during busy periods.

Defibrillators and international tourism: the importance of bilingual prompts

Quebec tourist facilities welcome French-speaking, English-speaking and international guests.

The language of the prompts can therefore be an important selection criterion.

Some devices let you choose between two preprogrammed languages.

The LIFEPAK CR2, for example, can provide prompts in French and English depending on its configuration.

However, you must confirm the languages available on the model you buy.

A bilingual AED doesn't replace staff training. Rather, it is an additional element that makes the device easier to use in an environment where several languages are spoken.

How do you maintain an AED in a hotel or tourist facility?

A defibrillator can go unused for many years.

It must nevertheless be checked regularly.

Batteries and pads have a limited service life or expiry date.

Devices generally run self-tests, but physical checks are still necessary.

An inspection routine should include:

• Checking the readiness indicator.
• Confirming the location and accessibility.
• Monitoring the pad expiry date.
• Checking the battery condition.
• Examining the wall cabinet and accessories.
• Confirming that the signage is visible.
• Documenting any anomaly or use.

The exact frequency of checks must follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Managing multi-site facilities

For a hotel group with several properties, it can be hard to keep track of every deadline.

A centralized inventory lets you know the model, location, serial number and maintenance dates of each AED.

Cardio Choc offers DefibSync, a platform designed to make equipment tracking easier.

A management solution does not, however, replace the responsibility of keeping each device accessible and ready for use.

Buying or subscribing to a defibrillator: which should you choose?

The purchase cost depends on the model, its accessories and the number of devices needed.

A defibrillation package can be a good option for a tourist facility installing its first AED.

It may include certain signage, storage or response accessories, depending on the product chosen.

Buy the defibrillator

Buying lets the facility own the device.

It must then plan for inspections and the replacement of consumables.

This option may suit organizations that already have an in-house equipment management program.

Choose an AED subscription

Cardio Choc also offers an AED subscription, with no upfront cost and no commitment, subject to the applicable terms.

This option can be attractive to hotels, spas and tourism groups that want to simplify how they look after their equipment.

You should nevertheless compare the included services, the terms and the long-term costs.

Assess the total cost of ownership

To compare options, consider:

• The price of the device.
• Installation accessories.
• Replacement pads and batteries.
• Inspections and maintenance.
• Staff training.
• Any connected services or tracking tools.

Planning over several years makes it possible to set a more realistic budget.

What is the best defibrillator for a hotel?

The Philips HeartStart HS1 and the LIFEPAK CR2 are two models worth considering. The HS1 is well suited to controlled indoor environments, while the CR2 offers a built-in child mode, bilingual options and connectivity features depending on the configuration.

Is an AED mandatory in a hotel in Quebec?

There is no general obligation that automatically requires an AED in every Quebec hotel. However, the specific requirements that apply to the facility's activities and to first aid should be checked.

Where should you install a defibrillator in a hotel?

A central, visible and easily accessible location is best. The front desk can work, but you should also consider upper floors, meeting rooms, sports facilities and hours of accessibility.

Can a spa use a defibrillator near a pool?

Yes, with appropriate precautions. The device must be stored under the conditions set out by the manufacturer. During a response, you must follow the safety instructions specific to aquatic settings and properly prepare the victim before applying the pads.

How many AEDs does a resort complex need?

The number depends on the floor area, the number of buildings, the distances and the access routes. Assessing retrieval times helps determine whether a single device is enough.

Which defibrillator should you choose for a campground?

A rugged, easy-to-carry model can be a good choice. The decision must take into account storage conditions, the distances between sites and access to emergency services.

Can a defibrillator be left in an unheated cabin?

Only if the temperature conditions meet the manufacturer's specifications. An unheated building can expose the pads and battery to temperatures that are not compatible with prolonged storage.

Can you use an AED on a child?

Several models allow pediatric use with the appropriate settings or accessories. The LIFEPAK CR2, for example, has a built-in child mode. The manufacturer's instructions must always be followed.

Can hotel employees use an AED without medical training?

AEDs intended for the general public are designed to guide users. CPR and AED training is still strongly recommended.

How do you manage the AEDs of several hotels?

A centralized inventory lets you track locations, serial numbers and inspection dates. A platform like DefibSync can also help organize equipment tracking.

How often should a defibrillator be maintained?

It depends on the model and the manufacturer's recommendations. Checks should cover the readiness indicator, pads, battery, accessories and accessibility.

Equip your hotel, spa or tourist facility with Cardio Choc

Choosing a defibrillator for a tourist facility must take into account the clientele, the layout of the premises and the conditions of use.

At Cardio Choc, we offer the Philips HeartStart OnSite HS1 and the LIFEPAK CR2 to meet the needs of hotels, inns, spas and resorts.

Our team can also help you choose accessories, plan maintenance and manage multiple devices.

Want to compare the other models available? Browse our full selection of defibrillators.

Need advice on equipping a hotel, a spa or several tourist facilities? Contact Cardio Choc to find a solution suited to your environment, your clientele and your budget.