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Availability of automated external defibrillators in Hamilton, New Zealand

Peter A O'Callaghan1, Janice Swampillai2, Martin K Stiles3

  • 1Cardiology Registrar, Cardiology Department, Waikato DHB, Hamilton.

The New Zealand Medical Journal
|October 4, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Few automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are readily available in Hamilton, New Zealand. This study found many listed AEDs have restricted access or are not visible, hindering timely use during out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA).

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Cardiovascular Health

Background:

  • 2,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) occurred in New Zealand last year.
  • 74% of OHCA patients received CPR, but only 5.1% accessed an automated external defibrillator (AED).
  • The average survival rate for OHCA is 13%.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the actual availability and public visibility of 50 listed AED locations in Hamilton, New Zealand.
  • To identify barriers to AED access during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest events.

Main Methods:

  • Researchers visited all 50 listed AED premises.
  • Staff were surveyed about AED awareness, location, accessibility, and usage.

Main Results:

  • Only 45 AEDs exist, with inaccurate locations for two sites.
  • Just 7% of AEDs (3/45) were continuously available.
  • Limited accessibility after 6 pm and on weekends, with five requiring restricted access.

Conclusions:

  • Significantly fewer listed AEDs are freely accessible to the public than indicated.
  • Poor signposting and access restrictions can delay crucial defibrillation.
  • Addressing AED availability and visibility is critical for improving OHCA survival rates.
Abstract

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