Hotels Have an Obligation to Keep Their Guests and Staff Safe

When guests check into a Canadian hotel, they expect more than just comfortable accommodations and quality service—they expect safety. Among the most critical safety tools that hotels can invest in is an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). These life-saving devices should be standard equipment in every hotel across Canada, and here's why.

The Reality of Cardiac Emergencies in Hotels

Hotels, Motels, Resorts, and Conference Centres are unique environments where cardiac emergencies can occur at any time. Guests often travel while dealing with stress, disrupted sleep schedules, dietary changes, and physical exertion from activities or long journeys. These factors can increase the risk of cardiac events, particularly among older travelers or those with pre-existing conditions.

Statistics show that approximately 50,000 Canadians experience cardiac arrest outside of hospitals each year. Hotels, with their constant flow of guests from diverse age groups and health backgrounds, represent high-risk environments where these emergencies are likely to occur.

Legal Considerations and Duty of Care

While AED machines are not yet legally mandated in all Canadian hotels, the hospitality industry has a fundamental duty of care to provide a safe environment for guests. Several provinces have introduced legislation encouraging or requiring AEDs in public spaces and businesses that serve large numbers of people.

Hotels that proactively install AEDs demonstrate their commitment to guest safety and may benefit from reduced liability exposure. In emergency situations, having an AED readily available shows that the hotel took reasonable steps to protect its guests' wellbeing.

The Critical Time Factor

In cardiac arrest situations, every second counts. Brain damage can begin within 4-6 minutes of cardiac arrest, and the chance of survival decreases by 7-10% for every minute that passes without defibrillation. Emergency medical services in Canada typically have response times of 6-12 minutes in urban areas, and significantly longer in rural locations.

Hotels equipped with AED Defibs can provide immediate intervention during those crucial first minutes, dramatically improving survival rates. Studies show that survival rates can increase to 70% or higher when defibrillation occurs within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest.

Unique Hotel Environment Challenges

Hotels present specific challenges that make AEDs particularly valuable:

24/7 Operations: Cardiac emergencies don't follow business hours. Hotels operate around the clock, and medical emergencies can occur at any time, including overnight when medical response may be slower.

Diverse Guest Population: Hotels serve guests of all ages and health conditions, including elderly travelers, business professionals under stress, and tourists engaging in physical activities.

Large Facilities: Many hotels are expansive properties with multiple floors, wings, and amenities spread across large areas. Having strategically placed AEDs ensures quick access regardless of where an emergency occurs.

Remote Locations: Many Canadian hotels, particularly resort properties, are located in remote areas where emergency medical services may have extended response times.

Building Guest Confidence and Loyalty

Modern travelers are increasingly safety-conscious, especially in the post-pandemic era. Hotels that advertise their safety equipment, including AEDs, can differentiate themselves from competitors and build trust with potential guests.

Corporate travelers and meeting planners often consider safety amenities when selecting venues. Having AEDs on-site can be a deciding factor for group bookings, conferences, and events.

Staff Training and Empowerment

Installing AEDs provides an opportunity to train hotel staff in basic life support and emergency response procedures. This training empowers employees to act confidently in emergencies and can improve overall emergency preparedness at the property. (AED Canada)

Well-trained staff equipped with proper emergency tools can provide immediate assistance while waiting for professional medical help, potentially saving lives and reducing the severity of medical incidents.

Implementation Considerations for Hotels

Strategic Placement: AEDs should be located in easily accessible, well-marked areas such as front desks, fitness centers, pools, restaurants, and conference facilities. Larger properties may require multiple units.

Staff Training: All front desk staff, security personnel, and key managers should be trained in AED operation and basic CPR. Regular refresher training ensures skills remain current.

Maintenance: AEDs require minimal maintenance but need regular checks to ensure batteries are charged and pads are within expiration dates. Most modern units perform automatic self-tests.

Guest Communication: Hotels should include AED locations in emergency information provided to guests and ensure clear signage indicates where units are located.

Cost vs. Value Analysis

While there is an upfront cost for AED equipment and training, the investment is minimal compared to the potential legal, financial, and reputational consequences of being unprepared for a cardiac emergency. The cost of AEDs has decreased significantly in recent years, making them an affordable safety investment for properties of all sizes.

The value of potentially saving a guest's life is immeasurable, but the practical benefits include reduced liability, enhanced reputation, competitive advantage, and improved staff confidence in emergency situations.

Recommended AED for Hotels

 

Here are a few of the reasons this AED is recommend for Hotels in Canada:

• Ability to switch between adult and child rescue at the press of a button - only one set of pads needed

• Real time Audio & Visual CPR feedback - improves positive outcomes by 50%

• Full colour screen provides visual instructions in addition to audible instructions

• Pads and batteries both last 5 years - lowest cost of ownership

For more information go to:

https://aed.ca/products/zoll-aed-3

Moving Forward: Making AEDs Standard

The hospitality industry in Canada has an opportunity to lead in guest safety by making AEDs standard equipment in all hotel properties. As awareness grows about the importance of rapid defibrillation, guests will come to expect this level of preparedness from their accommodation providers.

Hotels that act now to install AEDs and train their staff will be positioned as industry leaders in safety and guest care. This proactive approach not only protects guests but also demonstrates the hotel's commitment to providing comprehensive hospitality that includes emergency preparedness.

Conclusion

Every hotel in Canada should have AEDs on-site because the hospitality industry has a responsibility to provide the safest possible environment for guests. With the unpredictable nature of cardiac emergencies, the extended response times in many locations, and the diverse population that hotels serve, AEDs represent an essential safety tool that can mean the difference between life and death.

The question isn't whether hotels can afford to install AEDs—it's whether they can afford not to. In an industry built on hospitality and care, ensuring guests have access to life-saving medical equipment should be as standard as providing clean linens and reliable Wi-Fi.

Investing in AEDs is investing in guest safety, staff empowerment, legal protection, and the hotel's reputation. For Canadian hotels committed to excellence in all aspects of guest experience, AEDs should be considered essential equipment, not optional extras.

AED.ca is Canada's AED Company.  Contact them today to become AED equipped @ AED.ca.