The epidemiology of defibrillation in a medical school complex

Defibrillation is the definitive treatment for ventricular fibrillation (VF). Participation of physicians, paramedical personnel and lay people in cardiopulmonary resuscitation has significantly increased the survival from ventricular fibrillation. The number of defibrillators has increased and their primary placement within the hospital and community has changed. We studied the location, age, history, characteristics and maintenance of every defibrillator (n = 190) within a three hospital, medical school complex. Most defibrillators had been acquired recently but some dated from 1967. More than 85% were plug-in, non-portable. The government hospital had the lowest ratio of defibrillators to beds, but its maintenance, reliability and records were ths most efficient. We conclude that the increase in the number of defibrillators and its modernization reflects their importance, and that the type of hospital determines the age, type of machine, maintenance, and quantity.