Assessment of knowledge and skills in using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) by university students. A quasi-experimental study

Abstract

AimTo evaluate layperson (university student) ability to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). DesignA repeated measures quasi-experimental study with non-probabilistic sampling and a control group was carried out. ScopeTeacher training degree students at the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain). ParticipantsThe sample consisted of 129 subjects (69% women and 31% men), between 19 and 47 years of age (mean 23.2±4.7 years). As inclusion criterion, the subjects were required to have no previous knowledge of AED. InterventionsTimes to apply defibrillation with an AED to a mannequin were recorded untrained (T0), after a theoretical and practice explanation lasting less than one minute (T1), and 6 months after the training process (T2). Main variables of interestThe primary endpoint was the time taken to deliver a defibrillation discharge. The “improvement effect” variable was defined by the absolute time difference between T1 and T0, while the “degree of forgetfulness effect” variable was defined as the absolute difference between T1 and T2. ResultsThe mean times were T0=67.7s; T1=44.2s; T2=45.9s. The time to apply defibrillation was reduced after explanation training (T1<T0) (−23.4s; p<0.001). T2 proved shorter than T0 (−21.8s; p<0.001) but longer than T1 (1.6s; p=0.002). The improvement effect was significant (p<0.001), in the same way as the degree of forgetfulness (p=0.002). ConclusionsEasy handling of AED was demonstrated, since untrained people were able to deliver a discharge. Defibrillation time was reduced after brief training. This time barely increased after 6 months.