Real-time Geolocation Platforms for Access to Automated External Defibrillators in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A...

Area of Science:

• Emergency medicine
• Public health technology
• Cardiovascular resuscitation

Background:

• Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a leading cause of preventable death.
• Delayed access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) due to poor visibility and availability hinders timely defibrillation.
• Real-time geolocation platforms offer a potential solution to improve AED access and reduce response times.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current landscape of real-time geolocation platforms for early defibrillation in community and prehospital settings.
• To assess the effectiveness and identify barriers of these technologies in improving OHCA outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review was performed following Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• Searched four major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science) from inception to April 2025.
• Included studies on real-time geolocation platforms for early defibrillation in community/prehospital settings.

Main Results:

• Fourteen studies from seven countries were analyzed, primarily smartphone/web-based systems integrated with EMS.
• Platforms showed potential: citizen responders arrived earlier (13-42%), performed CPR (up to 69%), and delivered defibrillation (nearly 50%).
• Survival rates varied (8-88%), with ROSC in 30-39%; however, inadequate device visibility (67%) and access (36%) were key barriers.

Conclusions:

• Geolocation systems show potential to enhance community response to cardiac arrest and improve survival via earlier defibrillation.
• Further rigorous prospective studies are needed to evaluate long-term impact and applicability across diverse emergency care systems.