Abstract
Background and objectives: National medical records indicate that approximately 350,000–700,000 people die each year from sudden cardiac arrest. The guidelines of the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) and the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) indicate that in addition to resuscitation, it is important—in the case of so-called defibrillation rhythms—to perform defibrillation as quickly as possible. The aim of this study was to assess the use of public automated external defibrillators in out of hospital cardiac arrest in Poland between 2008 and 2018. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty cases of use of an automated external defibrillator placed in a public space between 2008 and 2018 were analyzed. The study material consisted of data on cases of use of an automated external defibrillator in adults (over 18 years of age). Only cases of automated external defibrillators (AED) use in a public place other than a medical facility were analysed, additionally excluding emergency services, i.e., the State Fire Service and the Volunteer Fire Service, which have an AED as part of their emergency equipment. The survey questionnaire was sent electronically to 1165 sites with AEDs and AED manufacturers. A total of 298 relevant feedback responses were received. Results: The analysis yielded data on 120 cases of AED use in a public place. Conclusions: Since 2016, there has been a noticeable increase in the frequency of use of AEDs located in public spaces. This is most likely related to the spread of public access to defibrillation and increased public awareness.
Highlights
According to Olson et al, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) accounts for more than half of all cardiovascular deaths and is the first sign of heart disease in 50% of these individuals [1]
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) according to Engdahl et al most commonly occurs at home, which is confirmed by Alqahtani et al adding the street and public places and the workplace [3,4]
The authors took into account the period of deployment and use of the automated external defibrillators (AED) in 2008–2018, because the largest number of AED devices was purchased and deployed in 2005 as a result of the action (The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity), but the lack of registration of AED use in Poland and the lack of 100% return allowed us to collect data only from 2010
Summary
According to Olson et al, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) accounts for more than half of all cardiovascular deaths and is the first sign of heart disease in 50% of these individuals [1]. National medical records indicate that approximately 350,000–700,000 people die each year from sudden cardiac arrest. The aim of this study was to assess the use of public automated external defibrillators in out of hospital cardiac arrest in Poland between 2008 and 2018. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty cases of use of an automated external defibrillator placed in a public space between 2008 and 2018 were analyzed. The study material consisted of data on cases of use of an automated external defibrillator in adults (over 18 years of age). Cases of automated external defibrillators (AED) use in a public place other than a medical facility were analysed, excluding emergency services, i.e., the State Fire Service and the Volunteer Fire Service, which have an AED as part of their emergency equipment. This is most likely related to the spread of public access to defibrillation and increased public awareness
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