Automated External Defibrillator Application Research Articles

Gender Differences in Defibrillator Practices in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Objectives Disparities remain in survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) for women compared to men. Our objective was to evaluate differences in automated external defibrillator (AED) use before Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrival and time from arrival to initial EMS defibrillation by EMS-assessed gender (women or men). Methods This was a secondary analysis of adult non-traumatic, EMS-treated OHCA cases in the Portland Cardiac Arrest Epidemiologic Registry from 2018 to 2021. Emergency Medical Services-witnessed cardiac arrests were excluded and the primary outcomes were pre-EMS AED application and the time from EMS arrival to first defibrillation among patients in a shockable rhythm at first rhythm assessment without pre-EMS AED application. We examined pre-EMS AED application rates overall and separately for law enforcement, in cases where they were on-scene before EMS without a lay bystander AED applied, and lay responders, in cases where law enforcement had not applied an AED. We used multivariable logistic and linear regressions to adjust for potential confounders, including age, arrest location, witness status, bystander CPR, year, and time from dispatch to EMS arrival. We accounted for clustering by county of arrest using a mixed-effects approach. Results Of the 3,135 adult, EMS-treated non-traumatic OHCAs that were not witnessed by EMS, 3,049 had all variables for analysis, of which 1,011 (33.2%) were women. The adjusted odds (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI]) for any pre-EMS placement of an AED was significantly higher for men compared to women (1.40 [1.05–1.86]). These odds favoring men remained when examining law enforcement AED application (1.89 [1.16–3.07]), but not lay bystander AED application (1.19 [0.83–1.71]). Among patients still in arrest on EMS arrival, with a shockable initial EMS rhythm, and without pre-EMS AED application, the time from EMS arrival on-scene to initial defibrillation was significantly longer for women compared to men (+0.81 min [0.22–1.41 min]). Conclusions Women with OHCA received lower rates of pre-EMS AED application and delays in initial EMS defibrillation compared to men.

Basic life support for non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrests during school-supervised sports activities in children: A nationwide observational study in Japan

ObjectiveTo investigate the prognostic impact of bystander-initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and public-access automated external defibrillator (AED) use on non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) occurring during school-supervised sports activities in children. MethodsFrom a nationwide database of pediatric OHCAs occurring under school supervision in Japan, data between April 2008 and December 2020 were obtained. We analyzed non-traumatic OHCAs that occurred during school-supervised sports activities among schoolchildren from elementary, junior high, high, and technical colleges. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to evaluate the effect of basic life support (BLS) on 1-month survival with favorable neurological outcomes after OHCA. ResultsIn total, 318 OHCA cases were analyzed. The 1-month survival with favorable neurological outcomes was 64.8% (164/253) in cases receiving both bystander-CPR and AED application, 40.7% (11/27) in cases receiving CPR only, 38.5% (5/13) in patients receiving AED application only, and 28.0% (7/25) in cases receiving no bystander intervention. Compared with cases receiving no BLS, cases receiving both CPR and AED had a significantly higher proportion of 1-month survival with favorable neurological outcomes (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32–11.90, p = 0.014). However, compared to cases receiving no BLS, there was no significant difference in the outcome in the cases receiving CPR only (AOR: 1.35, 95% CI: 0.34–5.29, p = 0.671) and the cases receiving AED application only (AOR: 1.26, 95% CI: 0.25–6.38, p = 0.778). ConclusionThe combination of CPR and AED as BLS performed by bystanders for non-traumatic OHCA during school-supervised sports activities improved the outcomes.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes when law enforcement arrives before emergency medical services

BackgroundLaw enforcement (LE) professionals are often dispatched to out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) to provide early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) application with mixed evidence of a survival benefit. Our objective was to comprehensively evaluate LE care in OHCA. MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of adults with non-traumatic OHCA not witnessed by EMS and without bystander AED use from 2018-2021. Our primary outcome was survival with Cerebral Perfusion Category score ≤ 2 (functional survival). Our exposures included: LE On-scene Only (without providing care); LE CPR Only (without applying an AED); LE Ideal Care (ensuring CPR and AED application). Our control group had no LE arrival before EMS. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusting for confounders and stratified our analyses by patients with and without bystander CPR. ResultsThere were 2569 adult, non-traumatic OHCAs from 2018-2021 meeting inclusion criteria. There were no differences in the odds of functional survival for LE On-scene Only (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI]: 1.28 [0.47–3.45]), LE CPR Only (1.26 [0.80–1.99]), or LE Ideal Care (1.36 [0.79–2.33]). In patients without bystander CPR, LE Ideal Care had significantly higher odds of functional survival (2.01 [1.06–3.81]) compared to no LE on-scene, with no significant associations for LE On-scene Only or LE CPR Only. There were no significant differences by LE care in patients already receiving bystander CPR. ConclusionsLE arrival before EMS and ensuring both CPR and AED application is associated with significantly improved functional survival in OHCA patients not already receiving bystander CPR.

Abstract 337: Bystander Defibrillation in High Risk Neighborhoods

Background: Whether public health efforts successfully prioritize bystander automated external defibrillator (AED) application in areas with highest of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) burden is unknown. Methods: Within the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival, we identified all adult, public OHCAs linked to a census tract between 2013- 2021. We ranked all census tracts by annual public OHCA volume to ascertain relative burden, then assessed the association of census tract OHCA burden and bystander AED application rate (application prior to emergency personnel arrival), using a hierarchical modified poisson regression model, to account for clustering within tracts, and arrest characteristics. Results: Among 25,787 tracts with 90,898 public OHCAs, the mean (SD) age was 57.1 (16.0) years, with 70,900 (78.0%) male and 45,388 (49.9%) White victims. Overall, bystander AED application rates were low (10.9%). There was a modest association between neighborhood OHCA burden and bystander AED application rates (ρ=0.243). After adjustment, neighborhoods with the highest OHCA burden (>2/ year) had a higher relative risk of bystander AED application than those with lowest burden (<1/ every other year) (RR 2.07; 95% CI 1.95, 2.20, p<.0001). However, this was due to a small proportion of high performing communities, as 700/1145 (61.1%) of highest OHCA burden communities had a bystander AED application rate less than the overall mean, 10.9%. Conclusion: High OHCA burdened areas have increased odds of bystander AED application, however this is driven by a few high performing neighborhoods. Targeted, context informed strategies are necessary to improve application rates and survival for the majority of high-risk neighborhoods.

Abstract 18326: The Association of s Shockable Rhythm and Automated External Defibrillator Use With Outcomes in Infants With Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Study From the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival

Introduction: Defibrillation with an automated external defibrillator (AED) is critical in the chain of survival following a cardiac arrest caused by pulseless ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. However, in 2022 the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation could not make a recommendation for or against the use of AEDs in infants. Hypothesis: We aimed to describe the association of a shockable rhythm with outcomes in infants with out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and test the hypothesis that a shockable rhythm and AED use with defibrillation would be associated with improved neurologically favorable survival at hospital discharge by analyzing data from a large cardiac arrest registry in the United States Methods: We conducted an analysis of the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival database. Inclusion criteria were age < 1 year of age and non-traumatic OHCA from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2021. The primary outcome was neurologically favorable survival defined as a Cerebral Performance Category Scale of 1 or 2. Results: A total of 10,108 infants with OHCA were evaluated of which 308 (3%) had a shockable rhythm and 9,800 (97%) had a non-shockable rhythm. Compared to infants with non-shockable rhythms infants with shockable rhythms were more likely to be white (37.7% white, 25.6% black, 7.5% Hispanic), have a witnessed arrest (44.5% vs. 16%), a non-home/public arrest (16.9% vs. 6.7%), and bystander AED application with defibrillation (19.4% vs. 0.18%) (p<0.05 for all). Neurologically favorable survival (19.2% shockable vs. 4.2% non-shockable was higher in arrests with a shockable rhythm compared to non-shockable arrests, p<0.001). AEDs were applied by bystanders in 1479 (14.5%) arrests and were associated with neurologically favorable survival (11% AED with defibrillation vs. 3.5% AED without defibrillation, p=0.002) Conclusions: Although infants infrequently had an OHCA with a shockable rhythm survival outcomes were superior in arrests with a shockable rhythm and in arrests where there was bystander AED use with defibrillation. These results emphasize the importance of AED use in infants with shockable rhythms following an OHCA.

Abstract 311: Accuracy of Automated External Defibrillator Pad Placement During Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation Simulations

Introduction: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) victims receiving defibrillation from an automated external defibrillator (AED) placed early in the chain of survival are more likely to survive. Aim: We sought to explore the accuracy of AED pad placement for lay rescuers (LR) and first responders (FR). Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected during randomized OHCA simulation trials involving LR and FR. LR received hands-only CPR and AED guidance from a simulated 9-1-1 telecommunicator. FRs did not receive telecommunicator instruction. Participants were surveyed about medical training and experience. Correct AED pad placements (anterior: AP, lateral: LP) were individually determined from video abstraction based on manufacturer’s recommendations and distance to anatomical landmarks (mid, nipple, and naval lines). Incorrect AP placement was defined as more than 6 cm medial or 10 cm inferior. Incorrect LP placement was defined as more than 6 cm superior, 9 cm inferior, or 10 cm medial. We examined the association between correct pad placement and previous CPR training (current, expired, or never) for LR and correct pad placement and self-reported recent field experience (< 1 year) with AED application for FR using Chi-square tests. Results: LR correctly placed the AP in 30/38 (79%) and the LP 30/38 (79%) simulations. Application did not differ significantly based on previous CPR training (AP p= .187, LP p=.578). The most common incorrect placement was too low for both AP (5/8, 63%) and LP (4/8, 50%). FRs applied the AP correctly in 31/36 (86%) and the LP in 22/36 (61%) simulations. Among FRs, correct pad application did not differ significantly based on recent field experience (AP p=.29, LP p=.563). The most common incorrect placement was too low for both AP (5/5, 100%) and LP (12/14, 86%). Conclusion: Both LRs and FRs may not apply AEDs per manufacturer’s recommendations. Further research is needed to improve instructions and follow-up training to ensure appropriate placement of AEDs, and to understand how improper AED placement impacts the accuracy of rhythm analysis and defibrillation success.

Sex differences in anxiety and hesitation toward bystander CPR and AED

Women who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) less frequently than that of men. Understanding the public perception on the necessity of the occurrence of life-saving disparities for fair intervention application to individuals with injuries and sickness is needed. The participants were undergraduate students of the university. Anxiety and irritability towards bystander CPR and AED operations were investigated. The participants of the analysis were 368 individuals (153 men and 215 women), of which 80.4% of men and 95.8% of women had anxiety about life-saving procedures. Regarding AED operation, 90 (58.8%) men and 74 (34.4%) women hesitated on removing clothing from a woman with injury or sickness. The reasons on women with injury and illness were less likely to be suitable with AEDs involved anxiety about life-saving procedures, litigation issues, and posting and spreading on social networking sites (SNS). Particularly, if men intervened with women with wounds, the main limitations were the risk of the act developing into a lawsuit and gaze of others, namely SNS. Bystander anxiety towards life-saving procedures was found to be strongly expressed by women. It also became evident that early recognition of cardiac arrest was not performed for patients with injuries 20–30% of the time. Training specifically for women with wounds and sickness may reduce sex differences in bystander CPR and AED application.

Incidence, Mechanism, and Outcomes of On-Plane Versus Off-Plane Cardiac Arrest in Air Travelers.

BackgroundAir travel affords an opportunity to evaluate resuscitation performance and outcome in a setting where automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are readily available.Methods and ResultsThe study cohort included people aged ≥18 years with out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) traveling through Seattle‐Tacoma International Airport between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2019 treated by emergency medical services (EMS). The primary outcomes were pre‐EMS therapies (cardiopulmonary resuscitation, application of AED), return of spontaneous circulation, and survival to hospital discharge. Over the 16‐year study period, there were 143 OHCA occurring before EMS arrival, 34 (24%) on‐plane and 109 (76%) off‐plane. Cardiac etiology (81%) was the most common mechanism of arrest. The majority of arrests were bystander‐witnessed and presented with a shockable rhythm; these characteristics were more common in off‐plane OHCA compared with on‐plane (witnessed: 89% versus 74% and shockable: 72% versus 50%). Pre‐EMS therapies including cardiopulmonary resuscitation and AED application were common regardless of arrest location. Compared with on‐plane OHCA, off‐plane OHCA was associated with greater rates of return of spontaneous circulation (68% versus 44%) and 3‐fold higher rate of survival to hospital discharge (44% versus 15%). All survivors of on‐plane OHCA had AED application with defibrillation before EMS arrival.ConclusionsWhen applied to air travel volumes, we estimate 350 air travel‐associated OHCA occur in the United States and 2000 OHCA worldwide each year, nearly a quarter of which happen on‐plane. These events are survivable when early arrest interventions including rapid arrest recognition, AED application, and CPR are deployed.

Hierarchical first aid training scheme for elementary and middle school students: the practices from the construction of "Baoan Model" social emergency medicine training

To share the implementation experience of hierarchical first aid training scheme for elementary and middle school students in Baoan District of Shenzhen City and evaluate its effect of training. During August 2018 and August 2019, elementary and middle schools students who participated in the first aid training held by emergency rescue training center of Baoan District were enrolled. Baseline information including the number of students, the number of attending tutors, the number of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training models, automated external defibrillator (AED) models were recorded. According to hierarchical levels of three age, students received different courses with content from simple to hard: the course of elementary school students was consisting of dialing 120, smart animation on how to identify accidental damage, demonstration of AED and Hemlick techniques, CPR practise (40 minutes). The course of junior high school students was consisted of how to dial 120, how to identify accidental damage and simple disposal, application of CPR and AED, practice CPR and AED and Hemlick techniques (90 minutes). The course of high school students was consisted of how to dial 120, identify accidental damage and right disposal, identification of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, the key-point of CPR and AED, practice CPR and AED, Hemlick techniques and hemostatic bandage (120 minutes). At the end of course, elementary school students were voluntary for skill assessment; junior high school students only were compulsory for skill assessment in small classes but not required in large classes, just for demonstration; additionally, the whole high school students were compulsory for skill assessment. The characteristics of first aid training students at different levels were collected in order to compare the differences on the usage of CPR training model and AED training model, the distribution of emergency resource, the ratio for passing examination. A total of 12 896 students and 2 086 training instructors took parted in 200 lists of first aid training courses, 8 557 CPR models and 8 493 AED models were used. On average, there are 65.27±5.61 students in each session, and 10.52±10.43 training instructors. There are 43.09±19.06 CPR training models and 42.77±18.61 AED training models. The mean ratio of student to tutor was 6.07±1.47, student to CPR model was 1.54±1.02, and student to AED model was 1.54±1.03. In the end of course, 10 494 students participated in the examination with the participation rate of 81.37%; 10 114 students passed the examination with the passing rate of 96.38%. Hierarchical analysis showed: compare to elementary school students, the average number of junior high school students in every training session significantly increased (cases: 69.94±8.77 vs. 58.69±6.12, P < 0.05), but the average number of high school students in every training session significantly decreased (cases: 57.35±5.79 vs. 58.69±6.12, P < 0.05). The proportion of instructors in junior high school students' training significantly reduced (5.94±1.39 vs. 6.48±2.02, P < 0.05). The examination ratio of junior high school students and high school students was increased significantly [81.07% (6 667/8 224), 100% (2 313/2 313) vs. 64.18% (1 514/2 359), both P < 0.05], but the ratio of passing the examination was significantly reduced [95.47% (6 365/6 667), 96.88% (2 241/2 313) vs. 99.60%(1 508/1 514), both P < 0.01]. This might be related to the low difficulty of elementary school students' assessment and the low proportion of compulsory examination. Hierarchical scheme is feasible for first aid training in elementary and middle school students, the content of course should be desighed from easy to hard. Synchronously, sufficient training instructors and training models should be equipped to ensure the quality.

Resuscitation in Community Healthcare Facilities in Israel.

Background: Out-of-hospital cardiac-arrest (OHCA) is a major public health challenge. Community health care providers (CHP) may play an important role through early identification, basic life support and defibrillation. Few studies have evaluated the incidence and characteristics of OHCAs initially cared for by CHP, most finding improved survival. This study combined CHP treated OHCA case analysis, with assessment of provider resuscitation preparedness. Methods: An analysis of all CHP initiated resuscitations in a large Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) reported over 42 months, coupled with an online survey assessing CHP resuscitation knowledge, experience, training and self-confidence. Results: 22 resuscitations met inclusion criteria. In 21 CHP initiated chest-compressions but in only 8 cases they utilized the clinic’s automated external defibrillator (AED) prior to emergency medical services (EMS) arrival. There were 275 providers surveyed. Of the surveyed providers, 89.4% reported previous basic life support (BLS)/advanced cardiovascular life support (ALS) training, 67.9% within the last three years. Previous resuscitation experience was reported by 72.7%. The lowest scoring knowledge question was on indications for AED application −56.3%. Additionally, 44.4% reported low confidence in their resuscitation skills. CHP with previous cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) experience reported higher confidence. Longer time since last CPR training lowered self-confidence. Conclusions: Early AED application is crucial for patients with OHCA. All clinics in our study were equipped with AED’s and most CHP received training in their use, but remained insecure regarding their use, often failing to do so.

P066: A quality improvement project to improve access to automated external defibrillators in the Niagara region community

Background: Over 35,000 Canadians lose their lives to cardiac arrest each year. CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use are modifiable factors. Survival rates drop by 7-10% each minute that defibrillation is delayed, and survival rates are less than 5% after 12 minutes of ventricular fibrillation which stresses the need for bystander AED use in out-of-hospital arrests. Niagara Region lacks a publicly accessible registry of AEDs. AED access is a major focus in King County, Washington which has higher survival rates and has all AEDs registered with Emergency Medical Services. Aim Statement: This project aims to log 100 or more AEDs within a year into a publicly accessible registry and to connect the registry information to medical trainees in the Niagara region and all employees of the Niagara Health System involved in patient care. Measures &amp; Design: PulsePoint is an application used to register AEDs within the Niagara region. PulsePoint allows users to geotag AEDs while tracking data entries. Over 16 weeks, 4 PDSA cycles tested the effectiveness of logging methods for AEDs including opportunistic logging, daily emailed reminders, and contacting organizations with high likelihood of having an AED. Information about the project and registry was shared with residents and medical students in Niagara. A second phase of cycles involves relaying information to Niagara Health system employees and the medical community. A final cycle will target a broader group of local organizations with intermediate probability of having AEDs. Primary outcome measures include the numbers of regional AEDs logged and members reached by knowledge sharing cycles. Evaluation/Results: PulsePoint was found to be an effective, free, publicly accessible resource to log AEDs within the Niagara region. The initial round of 4 PDSA cycles added a total of 56 new AEDs within the region, which were logged into PulsePoint app and the Excel spreadsheet. Through the fourth PDSA cycle, 136 businesses were contacted and made aware of the project and the AED application. In addition,138 health-related colleagues and medical students were contacted to raise awareness. PDSA cycles five through eight are currently ongoing or in the planning stages. Discussion/Impact: Raising awareness among emergency services and sharing information about the registry to local CPR training providers will be paramount. Creating awareness of PulsePoint and installing AEDs in locations that currently lack such devices could ultimately improve cardiac arrest survival rates within Niagara Region.

LO19: AED on the fly: A drone delivery feasibility study for rural and remote out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Introduction: Time-to-treatment plays a pivotal role in survival from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Every minute delay in defibrillation results in a 7-10% reduction in survival. This is particularly problematic in rural and remote regions, where bystander and EMS response is often prolonged and automated external defibrillators (AED) are often not available. Our objective was to examine the feasibility of a novel AED drone delivery method for rural and remote SCA. A secondary objective was to compare times between AED drone delivery and ambulance response to various mock SCA resuscitations. Methods: We conducted 6 simulations in two different rural communities in southern Ontario. During phase 1 (4 simulations) a “mock” call was placed to 911 and a single AED drone and an ambulance were simultaneously dispatched from the same location to a pre-determined destination. Once on scene, trained first responders retrieved the AED from the drone and initiated resuscitative efforts on a manikin. The second phase (2 scenarios) were done in a similar manner save for the drone being dispatched from a regionally optimized location for drone response. Results: Phase 1: The distance from dispatch location to scene varied from 6.6 km to 8.8 km. Mean (SD) response time from 911 call to scene arrival was 11.2 (+/- 1.0) minutes for EMS compared to 8.1 (+/- 0.1) for AED drone delivery. In all four simulations, the AED drone arrived before EMS, ranging from 2.1 to 4.4 minutes faster. The mean time for trained responders to retrieve the AED and apply it to the manikin was 35 (+/- 5) sec. No difficulties were encountered in drone activation by dispatch, drone lift off, landing or removal of the AED from the drone by responders. Phase 2: The ambulance response distance was 20km compared to 9km for the drone. Drones were faster to arrival at the scene by 7 minutes and 8 minutes with AED application 6 and 7 minutes prior to ambulance respectively. Conclusion: This implementation study suggests AED drone delivery is feasible with improvements in response time during a simulated SCA scenario. These results suggest the potential for AED drone delivery to decrease time to first defibrillation in rural and remote communities. Further research is required to determine the appropriate distance for drone delivery of an AED in an integrated EMS system as well as optimal strategies to simplify bystander application of a drone delivered AED.

Improving perception and confidence towards bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation and public access automated external defibrillator program: how does training program help?

BackgroundIn conjunction with an automated external defibrillator (AED) placement program at various locations within a public university in Malaysia, a series of structured training programs were conducted. The objectives of this study is to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of a structured training program in improving the perception of the importance of AED and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), (2) evaluate the confidence of the employees in using an AED and performing bystander CPR, (3) identify the fears and concerns of these employees in using AED and performing CPR, and (4) determine the perception of these employees towards the strategy of the AEDs placed at various locations within the university.MethodsIn this single-center observational study, a validated questionnaire aimed to assess the university employees’ attitude and confidence in handling AED and performing CPR before (pre-test) and immediately after (post-test) the training program was conducted.ResultsA total of 184 participants participated in this study. Using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the training programs appeared to have improved the perception that “using AED is important for unresponsive victims” (z = 4.32, p < 0.001) and that “AED practice drills should be performed on a regular basis” (z = − 2.41, p = 0.02) as well as increased the confidence to perform CPR (z = − 8.56, p < 0.001), use AED (z = − 8.93, p < 0.001), identify victims with no signs of life (z = − 7.88, p < 0.001), and the willingness to perform CPR and AED without hesitancy (z = − 8.91, p < 0.001). Fears and concerns on performing CPR and using AED also appeared to have been significantly reduced, and the perception on placement strategies of these AEDs was generally positive.ConclusionUsing the theory of planned behavior as the explanatory framework, training programs appear to be helpful in improving the perception and the confidence of the participants towards performing CPR and using AED through the promotion of positive attitude, positive societal expectation, and a positive sense of empowerment. But whether this positive effect will translate into actual CPR performance and AED application in a real cardiac arrest is yet to be seen.

Effectiveness of a community based out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) interventional bundle: Results of a pilot study

Background70% of Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) in Singapore occur in residential areas, and are associated with poorer outcomes. We hypothesized that an interventional bundle consisting of Save-A-life (SAL) initiative (cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)/automated external defibrillator (AED) training and public-housing AED installation), dispatcher-assisted CPR (DA-CPR) program and myResponder (mobile application) will improve OHCA survival. MethodsThis is pilot data from initial implementation of a stepped-wedge, before-after, real-world interventional bundle in six selected regions. Under the SAL initiative, 30,000 individuals were CPR/AED trained, with 360 AEDs installed. Data was obtained from Singapore’s national OHCA Registry. We included all adult patients who experienced OHCA in Singapore from 2011 to 2016 within study regions, excluding EMS-witnessed cases and cases due to trauma/drowning/ electrocution. Cases occurring before and after intervention were allocated as control and intervention groups respectively. Survival was assessed via multivariable logistic regression. Results1241 patients were included for analysis (Intervention: 361; Control: 880). The intervention group had higher mean age (70 vs 67 years), survival (3.3% [12/361] vs. 2.2% [19/880]), pre-hospital return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (9.1% [33/361] vs 5.1% [45/880]), bystander CPR (63.7% [230/361] vs 44.8% [394/880]) and bystander AED application (2.8% [10/361] vs 1.1% [10/880]). After adjusting for age, gender, race and significant covariates, the intervention was associated with increased odds ratio (OR) for survival (OR 2.39 [1.02–5.62]), pre-hospital ROSC (OR 1.94 [1.15–3.25]) and bystander CPR (OR 2.29 [1.77–2.96]). ConclusionThe OHCA interventional bundle (SAL initiative, DA-CPR, myResponder) significantly improved survival and is being scaled up as a national program.

Public-access automated external defibrillation and bystander-initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation in schools: a nationwide investigation in Japan

We aimed to reveal the effects of application of public-access automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and bystander-initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on survival of paediatric patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) occurring on school campuses in Japan. Data were obtained from a nationwide prospective observational study of paediatric OHCAs in school settings in Japan, termed Stop and Prevent cardIac aRrest, Injury, and Trauma in Schools (SPIRITS). Non-traumatic OHCA patients from elementary school, junior high school, and high school/technical college between April 2008 and December 2015 were enrolled. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the effect of bystander interventions (i.e. public-access AED application and bystander-CPR) on 30-day survival with favourable neurological outcome. In total, 232 OHCA cases were analysed. The proportion of 30-day survival with favourable neurological outcome was significantly higher among the patients receiving both public-access AED application and bystander-CPR than those without any bystander intervention (50.9% vs. 20.0%, adjusted odds ratio 4.08, 95% confidence interval 1.25-13.31; P = 0.020). During the study period, the proportion of patients to whom public-access AEDs were applied increased significantly (from 61.9% in 2008 to 87.0% in 2015, P-for trend = 0.014). Accordingly, the proportion of 30-day survival with favourable neurological outcome improved significantly (from 38.1% in 2005 to 56.5% in 2015, P-for trend = 0.026). The combination of public-access AED application and bystander-CPR increased the chance of survival approximately four-fold in schools. The nationwide efforts towards disseminating public-access defibrillation systems in school settings may reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death among school children.

Automated External Defibrillator Application Before EMS Arrival in Pediatric Cardiac Arrests.

Little is known about the predictors of pre-emergency medical service (EMS) automated external defibrillator (AED) application in pediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. We sought to determine patient- and neighborhood-level characteristics associated with pre-EMS AED application in the pediatric population. We reviewed prospectively collected data from the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival on pediatric patients (age >1 to ≤18 years old) who had out-of-hospital nontraumatic arrest (2013-2015). A total of 1398 patients were included in this analysis (64% boys, 45% white, and median age of 11 years old). An AED was applied in 28% of the cases. Factors associated with pre-EMS AED application in univariable analyses were older age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.9; 12-18 years old vs 2-11 years old; P < .001), white versus African American race (OR: 1.4; P = .04), public location (OR: 1.9; P < .001), witnessed status (OR: 1.6; P < .001), arrests presumed to be cardiac versus respiratory etiology (OR: 1.5; P = .02) or drowning etiology (OR: 2.0; P < .001), white-populated neighborhoods (OR: 1.2 per 20% increase in white race; P = .01), neighborhood median household income (OR: 1.1 per $20 000 increase; P = .02), and neighborhood level of education (OR: 1.3 per 20% increase in high school graduates; P = .006). However, only age, witnessed status, arrest location, and arrests of presumed cardiac etiology versus drowning remained significant in the multivariable model. The overall cohort survival to hospital discharge was 19%. The overall pre-EMS AED application rate in pediatric patients remains low.

Abstract 024: Public Access Defibrillation State Law Assessment: Do Current Laws Align With Best Available Evidence?

I. Introduction: Cardiac arrest (CA) is a leading cause of death in the U.S. An estimated 70-90% of people experiencing out-of-hospital CA die before reaching the hospital. Applying cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) within minutes of CA can dramatically raise survival rates. Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) laws can facilitate rapid AED application by lay bystanders. This study assesses whether existing state laws align with best available evidence for PAD implementation to assist decision makers in strengthening existing PAD policies. II. Methods: Two analysts applied CDC’s Quality and Impact of Component (QuIC) Evidence Assessment to appraise the strength of evidence bases for 9 PAD program “policy components,” defined as discrete requirements, provisions, or other elements within a public health policy. Analysts utilized subject matter experts (SME), PubMed, and grey literature to collect evidence and identify 9 policy components. Analysts independently coded evidence across 8 dimensions of evidence quality and public health impact. Resulting scores were used to rank the policy component evidence bases into 3 categories; best, promising or emerging. To identify policy components found in state law, two legal researchers reviewed PAD peer-reviewed and grey literature and analyzed 10 states’ laws using Westlaw. The results were used to construct variables for a legal dataset. Researchers coded and categorized the components in statutes and regulations for all 50 states and Washington, D.C, in effect as of December 31, 2015. Researchers conducted descriptive analysis of the legal dataset and examined correlations with the QuIC policy component results. III. Results: Fifty jurisdictions had PAD laws in effect as of December 31, 2015, authorizing at least one of the 9 evidence-informed PAD policy components (maximum: 8; median: 6). The QuIC assessment categorized 3 components “best”, 4 “promising” and 2 “emerging.” The most common components found in law were PAD use training (best), EMS coordination (best) and lay bystander limited liability (emerging). No state authorized all 9 components. However, 3 states authorized 8 components and 12 states authorized all 3 best components. Two states authorized only lay bystander limited liability (emerging). IV. Implications: There is strong evidence of potential public health impact for targeted AED placement, user training, and EMS PAD coordination, yet two thirds of states have not enacted all three policy components. The Institute of Medicine recommends developing policy strategies and addressing legal barriers to bystander CPR and defibrillation to improve CA outcomes. Studies directly evaluating the role of PAD law in cardiac arrest response and associated health outcomes are needed to determine the best policy approaches to meet state needs and contexts.

Public-access AED pad application and outcomes for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in Osaka, Japan

BackgroundActual application of public-access automated external defibrillator (AED) pads to patients with an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) by the public has been poorly investigated. MethodsAED applications, prehospital characteristics, and one-month outcomes of OHCAs occurring in Osaka Prefecture from 2011 to 2012 were obtained from the Utstein Osaka Project registry. Patients with a non-traumatic OHCA occurring before emergency medical service attendance were enrolled. The proportion of AED pads that were applied to the patients’ chests by the public and one-month outcomes were analysed according to the location of OHCA. ResultsIn total, public-access AED pads were applied to 3.5% of OHCA patients (351/9978) during the study period. In the multivariate analyses, OHCAs that occurred in public places and received bystander-initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation were associated with significantly higher application of public-access AEDs. Among the patients for whom public-access AED pads were applied, 29.6% (104/351) received public-access defibrillation. One-month survival with a favourable neurological outcome was significantly higher among patients who had an AED applied compared to those who did not (19.4% vs. 3.0%; OR: 2.76 [95% CI: 1.92–3.97]). ConclusionThe application of public-access AEDs leads to favourable outcomes after an OHCA, but utilisation of available equipment remains insufficient, and varies considerably according to the location of the OHCA event. Alongside disseminating public-access AEDs, further strategic approaches for the deployment of AEDs at the scene, as well as basic life support training for the public are required to improve survival rates after OHCAs.

The Price of a Helping Hand: Modeling the Outcomes and Costs of Bystander CPR

Objective. Early, high-quality, minimally interrupted bystander cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (BCPR) is essential for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival. However, rates of bystander intervention remain low in many geographic areas. Community CPR programs have been initiated to combat these low numbers by teaching compression-only CPR to laypersons. This study examined bystander CPR and the cost-effectiveness of a countywide CPR program to improve out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival. Methods. A 2-year retrospective review of emergency medical services (EMS) run reports for adult nontraumatic cardiac arrests was performed using existing prehospital EMS quality assurance data. The incidence and success of bystander CPR to produce prehospital return of spontaneous circulation and favorable neurologic outcomes at hospital discharge were analyzed. The outcomes were paired with cost data for the jurisdiction's community CPR program to develop a cost-effectiveness model. Results. During the 23-month study period, a total of 371 nontraumatic adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurred, with a 33.4% incidence of bystander CPR. Incremental cost-effectiveness analysis for the community CPR program demonstrated a total cost of $22,539 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). A significantly increased proportion of those who received BCPR also had an automated external defibrillator (AED) applied. There was no correlation between witnessed arrest and performance of BCPR. A significantly increased proportion of those who received BCPR were found to be in a shockable rhythm when the initial ECG was performed. In the home setting, the chances of receiving BCPR were significantly smaller, whereas in the public setting a nearly equal number of people received and did not receive BCPR. Witnessed arrest, AED application, public location, and shockable rhythm on initial ECG were all significantly associated with positive ROSC and neurologic outcomes. A home arrest was significantly associated with worse neurologic outcome. Conclusions. Cost-effectiveness analysis demonstrates that a community CPR outreach program is a cost-effective means for saving lives when compared to other healthcare-related interventions. Bystander CPR showed a clear trend toward improving the neurologic outcome of survivors. The findings of this study indicate a need for additional research into the economic effects of bystander CPR. Key words: CPR; EMS; cost effectiveness

Improper bystander-performed basic life support in cardiac arrests managed with public automated external defibrillators

AimThe aim of the study was to determine the quality of basic life support (BLS) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) receiving bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and public automated external defibrillator (AED) application. MethodsFrom January 2006 to December 2012, data were prospectively collected from OHCA) and impending cardiac arrests treated with and without public AED before emergency medical technician (EMT) arrival. Basic life support actions and outcomes were compared between cases with and without public AED application. Interruptions of CPR were compared between 2 groups of AED users: health care provider (HCP) and non-HCP. ResultsPublic AEDs were applied in 10 and 273 cases of impending cardiac arrest and non–EMT-witnessed OHCAs, respectively (4.3% of 6407 non–EMT-witnessed OHCAs). Defibrillation was delivered to 33 (13.3%) cases. Public AED application significantly improved the rate of 1-year neurologically favorable survival in bystander CPR–performed cases with shockable initial rhythm but not in those with nonshockable rhythm. Emergency calls were significantly delayed compared with other OHCAs without public AED application (median: 3 and 2 minutes, respectively; P < .0001). Analysis of AED records obtained from 136 (54.6%) of the 249 cases with AED application revealed significantly lower rate of compressions delivered per minute and significantly greater proportion of CPR pause in the non-HCP group. Time interval between power on and the first electrocardiographic analysis widely varied in both groups and was significantly prolonged in the non-HCP group (P = .0137). ConclusionsImproper BLS responses were common in OHCAs treated with public AEDs. Periodic training for proper BLS is necessary for both HCPs and non-HCPs.