Public Access Defibrillation: Time to Access the Public - 24/08/11

Doi : 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2010.12.016

Patrick Schober, MD, PhD ^⁎ , Frederieke B. van Dehn, MD, Joost J.L.M. Bierens, MD, PhD, Stephan A. Loer, MD, PhD, Lothar A. Schwarte, MD, PhD
Department of Anesthesiology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Address for correspondence: Patrick Schober, MD, PhD, Department of Anesthesiology, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1007 MB Amsterdam, the Netherlands; 31-20-4443138, fax 31-20-4444385

Résumé

Study objective

Public accessible automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are increasingly made available in highly frequented places, allowing coincidental bystanders to defibrillate with minimal delay if necessary. Although the public, as the largest and most readily available group of potential rescuers, is assigned a key role in this concept of “public” access defibrillation, it is unknown whether bystanders are actually sufficiently prepared. We therefore investigate knowledge and attitudes toward AEDs among the public.

Methods

Standardized interviews were conducted at the Central Railway Station of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, a highly frequented and AED-equipped public place with a high number of travelers and visitors from all over the world.

Results

Surveys from 1,018 participants from a total of 38 nations were analyzed, revealing a considerable lack of knowledge among the public. Less than half of participants (47%) would be willing to use an AED, and more than half (53%) were unable to recognize an AED. Overall, only a minority of individuals have sufficient knowledge and would be willing to use an AED. Differences between subgroups were identified, which may aid to tailor public information campaigns to specific target audiences.

Conclusion

Only a minority of individuals demonstrate sufficient knowledge and willingness to operate an AED, suggesting that the public is not yet sufficiently prepared for the role it is destined for. Wide-scale public information campaigns are an important next step to exploit the lifesaving potential of public access defibrillation.

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Plan

Introduction

Background

Importance

Goals of This Investigation

Materials and Methods

Study Design

Setting

Selection of Participants

Methods of Measurement

Data Collection and Processing

Primary Data Analysis

Results

Characteristics of Study Subjects

Main Results

Limitations

Discussion

	Supervising editor: Judd E. Hollander, MD
	Author contributions: LAS proposed the research idea. PS, JJLMB, SAL, and LAS performed the literature search and developed the study protocol. PS, FBD, JJLMB, and LAS drafted and tested the questionnaires and implemented the survey at Amsterdam Central Station. Data collection was performed by FBD and was supervised by JJLMB. Data analysis was conducted by PS and FBD. PS, SAL, and LAS were responsible for data interpretation. PS had full access to all of the data in the study and takes responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the statistical data analysis. SAL monitored the study progress, provided logistic support, and coordinated work within the study group. PS drafted the first version of the article, and all authors critically revised it for important intellectual content. All authors read and approved the final version. PS takes responsibility for the paper as a whole.
	Funding and support: By Annals policy, all authors are required to disclose any and all commercial, financial, and other relationships in any way related to the subject of this article as per ICMJE conflict of interest guidelines (see www.icmje.org). The authors have stated that no such relationships exist. The study was supported by departmental funding (Department of Anesthesiology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands).
	Publication date: Available online February 3, 2011.
	Please see page 241 for the Editor's Capsule Summary of this article.
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