The Sapienza University of Rome network of automated external defibrillators: a prototype webMap developed to speed access to community defibrillators and increase survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Abstract

In Italy, only around 10% of people who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survive. A large portion of OHCA events in public settings are characterized by an initial shockable rhythm, which requires prompt defibrillation. We aimed to create a system to quickly locate nearby public access automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on the campus of Sapienza University of Rome, the largest public university in Europe. We developed the AED webMap through a 6-step process involving the: 1) collection of information and geographical coordinates for each AED from the university management system; 2) development of a new geolocation database; 3) integration of information contained in the new database with data provided by university departments; 4) geolocation of AEDs in the Google MyMaps environment; 5) graphic representation of all AEDs on digital map templates using specific symbols, with pop-ups containing additional information for each AED; and 6) publication of the webMap on the university website. The AED webMap was published on the university website (https://www.uniroma1.it/it/pagina/defibrillatori-sapienza-in-rete) and facilitates prompt identification of nearby AEDs by providing: 1) detailed AED geolocalization with interactive pop-up information for each AED, including whether the AED is located internally or externally; 2) the option to use different base maps (e.g., digital street map); 3) calculation and display of the route to reach the chosen AED; and 4) the possibility to migrate towards multiple platforms. The webMap can help bystanders quickly identify, locate, and reach nearby AEDs present on the campus of the largest public university in Europe, a measure that could help speed defibrillation and maximize the life-saving potential of AEDs in the event of OHCA.