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Automated external defibrillators: implications for training qualified ambulance staff.
G Walters1, D D'Auria, E Glucksman
1Accident and Emergency Department, King's College Hospital, London, England.
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Basic ambulance personnel demonstrated proficiency in operating automated external defibrillators (AEDs) after brief training. However, adherence to protocol sequence requires improvement for optimal cardiac arrest management.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Cardiology
- Medical Training
Background:
- Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are crucial for immediate defibrillation in cardiac arrest.
- Effective use by pre-hospital personnel can significantly improve patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of ambulance staff trained in AED usage.
- To assess the impact of a short training program and ongoing education on AED application.
Main Methods:
- 190 London ambulance attendants received 6.5 hours of AED training.
- Performance assessed over 15 months via report forms and ECG/cassette tapes.
- Included written feedback and continuing education.
Main Results:
- AED operation was correct in 96% of cases.
- Protocol sequence adherence was observed in 34% of cases.
- Median time to AED activation was 4 minutes; 32% of patients experienced pre-attachment interventions.
Conclusions:
- Short-term training with continuing education adequately prepared staff for AED operation.
- Significant errors in protocol compliance were identified, necessitating further training refinement.