Bystander Defibrillation for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Public vs Residential Locations

Abstract

Initiatives to facilitate bystander defibrillation were associated with a marked increase in bystander defibrillation in public locations, whereas bystander defibrillation remained limited in residential locations. Concomitantly, survival increased after bystander defibrillation in residential and public locations.

Automated external defibrillator accessibility is crucial for bystander defibrillation and survival: A registry-based study

“…12 In Denmark, efforts have been made to improve resuscitation after OHCAs including establishment of a nationwide volunteer-based AED network (linked to emergency medical dispatch centres since 2011). 8,10,13 Although defibrillation by bystanders in public locations have increased in Denmark, the overall rate has remained low. 13 Similar low rates have been reported in several studies (stagnated around 2%-4%).…”

“…8,10,13 Although defibrillation by bystanders in public locations have increased in Denmark, the overall rate has remained low. 13 Similar low rates have been reported in several studies (stagnated around 2%-4%). [14][15][16][17] Data on whether AED accessibility is associated with bystander defibrillation and influences patient survival is scarce.…”

Delivery of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) by Drones: Implications for Emergency Cardiac Care

“…In Denmark, Hansen and colleagues (2017) examined the association between AED placement and both by- stander defibrillator and survival rates after nationwide dissemination of AEDs, registration of AEDs with location linked to EMS dispatchers, dispatcher-guided use, and public education [9]. Bystander defibrillation rates increased in public areas, whereas residential areas remained unchanged.…”

“…Bystander defibrillation rates increased in public areas, whereas residential areas remained unchanged. Public locations were significantly associated with a higher proportion of shockable rhythms; increased rates of bystander CPR in progress by the time 911 calls were received; sustained return of spontaneous circulation; and patient survival to hospital discharge compared to residential locations [9]. These findings emphasize the importance of rapid access to AEDs, strategic placement of AEDs in public locations, and that nationwide efforts to facilitate bystander defibrillation have been successful.…”

“…These findings emphasize the importance of rapid access to AEDs, strategic placement of AEDs in public locations, and that nationwide efforts to facilitate bystander defibrillation have been successful. However, most communities do not achieve rapid survival despite wide dissemination of public access AEDs [9]. OHCA victims in rural and mountainous areas remain disadvantaged in emergency cardiac care [10–12].…”