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. 2017 Nov;61(10):1345-1353.
doi: 10.1111/aas.12992. Epub 2017 Sep 13.

Return of spontaneous circulation and long-term survival according to feedback provided by automated external defibrillators

M Agerskov  1 , M B Hansen  1 , A M Nielsen  1   2 , T P Møller  2 , M Wissenberg  2   3 , L S Rasmussen  1
Affiliations

Return of spontaneous circulation and long-term survival according to feedback provided by automated external defibrillators

M Agerskov et al. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2017 Nov.

Abstract

Background: We aimed to investigate the effect of automated external defibrillator (AED) feedback mechanisms on survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) victims. In addition, we investigated converting rates in patients with shockable rhythms according to AED shock waveforms and energy levels.

Methods: We collected data on OHCA occurring between 2011 and 2014 in the Capital Region of Denmark where an AED was applied prior to ambulance arrival. Patient data were obtained from the Danish Cardiac Arrest Registry and medical records. AED data were retrieved from the Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre (EMDC) and information on feedback mechanisms, energy waveform and energy level was downloaded from the applied AEDs.

Results: A total of 196 OHCAs had an AED applied prior to ambulance arrival; 62 of these (32%) provided audio visual (AV) feedback while no feedback was provided in 134 (68%). We found no difference in return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) at hospital arrival according to AV-feedback; 34 (55%, 95% confidence interval (CI) [13-67]) vs. 72 (54%, 95% CI [45-62]), P = 1 (odds ratio (OR) 1.1, 95% CI [0.6-1.9]) or 30-day survival; 24 (39%, 95% CI [28-51]) vs. 53 (40%, 95% CI [32-49]), P = 0.88 (OR 1.1 (95% CI [0.6-2.0])). Moreover, we found no difference in converting rates among patients with initial shockable rhythm receiving one or more shocks according to AED energy waveform and energy level.

Conclusions: No difference in survival after OHCA according to AED feedback mechanisms, nor any difference in converting rates according to AED waveform or energy levels was detected.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Patient flow, 27 October 2011 to 26 October 2014. EMS, Emergency Medical Services; OHCA, Out‐Of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrest; AED, Automated External Defibrillator.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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