Who must have one?
Decree no. 2018-1186 of 19 December 2018 requires a defibrillator in establishments open to the public (ERP), on a phased timetable:
- ERP categories 1 to 3: since 1 January 2020.
- ERP category 4: since 1 January 2021.
- Certain category 5 ERP, as listed in the decree: since 1 January 2022.
Installed defibrillators must be signposted, maintained and registered in the national Géo'DAE database.
What about other companies?
The French Labour Code does not require a defibrillator in every workplace. But employers must assess risks and organise first aid, and a defibrillator is one of the most effective tools against cardiac arrest.
The choice depends on the size of the site, how isolated it is, the distance to emergency services and the activity.
A device is only useful if people dare to use it
A defibrillator guides the user by voice. Yet, faced with a casualty, many people hesitate. A short course removes that fear: employees practise on a manikin and learn to call for help, perform CPR and place the pads without wasting time.
The introductory first aid course (3 hours) and SST training both cover using a defibrillator.
