Layperson's performance on an unconversant type of AED device: A prospective crossover simulation experimental study

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• Public Health

Background:

• Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) have diverse models with unique features.
• Investigating layperson adaptability to different AED models is crucial for public safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if laypersons trained on one AED model can effectively use a different model.
• To assess the impact of model variation on AED operation performance and shock delivery time.

Main Methods:

• A prospective crossover simulation study involved 224 college students.
• Participants were trained on AED1 or AED2, with performance tested initially and after 6 months.
• A crossover design involved switching half the participants to a different AED model for follow-up testing.

Main Results:

• Initial testing showed AED2 led to higher successful defibrillation rates and shorter shock times than AED1.
• After 6 months, no significant difference in successful defibrillation rates was found between groups using the same or different AED models.
• However, shock delivery time was significantly longer for participants who switched AED models.

Conclusions:

• College students can operate different AED models after 6 months of training on a single model.
• While successful defibrillation is achievable, using a different AED model may increase the time to shock delivery.