Fully-Automatic AEDs Save Lives.

Safe

A recent study shows that safety is not compromised when untrained rescuers use a fully automatic AED compared to a semi-automatic AED. In fact, the study demonstrated overall safer behavior by fully automatic AED rescuers when in the presence of bystanders.3 The authors of the study attribute the improved safety to the fact that the fully automatic AED in the study had an extra voice prompt reminding rescuers not to touch the patient immediately before shock delivery. They also noted that semi-automatic rescuers were focused on pushing the shock button, whereas the fully automatic rescuers could focus on the voice prompts and interact more with bystanders before shock delivery.

Effective

A similar study compared usability of fully automatic and semi-automatic AEDs by untrained nursing students. In this study, use errors were lower in the group using the fully automatic version of the AED.4 The study’s authors noted this improved performance could be explained given that fully automatic AEDs put the rescuer in "a more passive and secure position during analysis and shock delivery, preventing the rescuer from inappropriate actions."

Time is Critical

Early defibrillation combined with CPR can improve survival rates to as high as 74% when defibrillation is provided within three minutes of collapse.1 For every minute that elapses between sudden cardiac arrest and defibrillation, the chance of survival decreases 7 to 10%.2 That’s why choosing an automated external defibrillator (AED) that can be trusted to help reduce unnecessary shock delays could make the difference between life and death.

Fully Automatic vs. Semi-Automatic AEDs

Early defibrillation combined with CPR can improve survival rates to as high as 74% when defibrillation is provided within three minutes of collapse.1 For every minute that elapses between sudden cardiac arrest and defibrillation, the chance of survival decreases 7 to 10%.2 That’s why choosing an automated external defibrillator (AED) that can be trusted to help reduce unnecessary shock delays could make the difference between life and death.

Benefits of Fully Automatic

Fully automatic models are designed to help responders who may hesitate in cardiac arrest emergencies. Studies have shown that fully automatic AEDs are safe, effective and may reduce extended delays associated with hesitation to push the shock button during a rescue.

References
  1. Valenzuela T.D. et al. Outcomes of rapid defibrillation by security officers after cardiac arrest in casinos. New England Journal of Medicine. 2000; 343:1206-1209.
  2. Cummins R.O. 1989. From concept to standard-of-care? Review of the clinical experience with automated external defibrillators. Annals of Emergency Medicine. 18: 1269-75.
  3. Hosmansa T, Maquoia I, Vogelsb C, et al. Manikin and simulation study: Safety of fully automatic external defibrillation by untrained lay rescuers in the presence of a bystander. Resuscitation. 2008; 77:216-219.
  4. Monsieurs KG, Vogels C, Bossaert LL, et al. A study comparing the usability of fully automatic versus semi-automatic defibrillation by untrained nursing students. Resuscitation. 2005; 64:41–47.