Development controller and feedback of Chiang Mai automated external defibrillation trainer and manikin for basic life support training

Abstract

Objectives Basic Life Support (BLS) should be taught to everyone; however, there is a lack of Automated External Defibrillation (AED) trainers in Thailand due to the cost of the imported equipment. An AED trainer, manikin, and manikin controller system was locally developed which can display training results to help reduce the cost. Methods This is a descriptive study of a locally developed controller and feedback system, the Chiang Mai AED trainer and manikin. The controller was examined by 5 BLS instructors using a 10-point scale questionnaire consisting of 3 questions to evaluate the efficacy of the device. Correlation among BLS instructors was also calculated. Results The controller and feedback system for the Chiang Mai AED trainer and manikin worked appropriately as intended. The instructor set up either a ‘shock advised’ or a ‘no shock advised’ scenario for 2 two-minute chest compressions. The AED trainer responded promptly when the electrode pads were attached to the manikin. The controller was also able to display compression depth, compression speed, chest recoils, rescue breaths, and time to first defibrillation. Evaluation of the controller using a 10-point scale resulted in a median of 27 (interquartile range 26-29) out of 30. Intraclass correlation was 0.97 (95% confidence interval 0.90-0.99, p < 0.001). Conclusions The controller for the Chiang Mai AED trainer and manikin is effective for use in BLS training. Chiang Mai Medical Journal 2021;60(1):87-98. doi 10.12982/CMUMEDJ.2021.08