Defibrillation pad placement accuracy among Advanced Life Support instructors: A manikin-based observational study...

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Cardiology
• Medical Education

Background:

• Ventricular fibrillation is a primary cause of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
• Effective defibrillation is critical for patient survival.
• Correct defibrillator pad placement is essential for effective defibrillation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the accuracy of defibrillator pad placement by advanced life support instructors.
• To evaluate instructors' self-assessment, experience, competence, and self-efficacy in teaching defibrillation.
• To identify areas for improvement in defibrillation training methodologies.

Main Methods:

• Fifty certified advanced life support instructors participated.
• Pad placement accuracy was assessed on a manikin using sternal-apical and anterior-posterior positions.
• Secondary outcomes included self-reported data on experience, competence, and self-efficacy.

Main Results:

• Correct pad placement rates varied significantly, ranging from 18% to 32%.
• The average number of correctly applied pads per instructor was less than one.
• No association was found between correct pad placement and participants' experience or self-perceived competence.

Conclusions:

• Substantial variation exists in defibrillator pad placement accuracy among ALS instructors.
• Current training may not adequately prepare instructors for precise pad placement.
• Standardized approaches and enhanced training are needed to improve defibrillator pad placement efficacy.