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Automated external defibrillators and first responders: a satisfaction survey
Laurence D Prina1, Roger D White, Elizabeth J Atkinson
1Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Resuscitation
|May 16, 2002
Summary
First responders (FR) like police and firefighters report high satisfaction using automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Restoring a pulse with an AED significantly increases FR satisfaction, supporting wider AED program implementation.
Area of Science:
- Emergency medicine
- Public health
- Cardiology
Background:
- Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are increasingly used by first responders (FR) in the United States.
- Investigating FR satisfaction with AED use is crucial for program evaluation and expansion.
- Existing research has not comprehensively assessed FR satisfaction with AEDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the satisfaction levels of FR (police officers, firefighters) with AED use to those of paramedics.
- To determine if restoring a pulse before paramedic arrival influences FR satisfaction with AEDs.
- To assess the overall attitude of FR towards the implementation of AED use.
Main Methods:
- A 21-item questionnaire with closed-ended questions was administered to FR and paramedics in four communities.
- Responses were scored on a scale of 0, 1, or 2, with a total score between 10 and 16 indicating the highest satisfaction.
- Data analysis focused on comparing satisfaction scores among different FR groups and assessing the impact of pulse restoration.
Main Results:
- A high response rate of 89% (276 out of 311) was achieved.
- Respondents who had used an AED included 106 police officers, 70 firefighters, and 35 paramedics.
- Satisfaction scores were high across all groups (Police: 13.26, Firefighters: 13.07, Paramedics: 13.39), with pulse restoration correlating to higher satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- First responders exhibit a high level of satisfaction with the use of AEDs.
- Restoration of a pulse emerged as a significant factor contributing to increased FR satisfaction.
- The positive attitudes observed support the continued and expanded implementation of early defibrillation programs for non-medical first responders.