J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2019 Aug;30(4):301-308. 10.0000/jksem.2019.30.4.301.

National survey of awareness and training experience of automated external defibrillator

• Choe MS
• Lee MJ

• KMID: 2457223
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/jksem.2019.30.4.301

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Public concerns and awareness of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are essential for improving the survival outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in the community. On the other hand, the proportion of OHCA, in which AED is used in a prehospital setting, is very low in Korea. The aim of this study was to identify the barriers and training issues of AEDs.
METHODS
A nationwide population-based survey was conducted to analyze the current public trends in AED awareness, training, and intention to use in 2017 (n=506). The barriers and training issues of AEDs were then documented. For trend analysis, previous tri-temporal surveys were obtained in 2007, 2011, and 2015.
RESULTS
Public awareness of AEDs has increased: from 5.8% in 2007, to 30.6% in 2011, 82.6% in 2015, and 79.4% in 2017 (P<0.001). The training experience of AEDs has increased over time: from 0.5% in 2007 to 8.2% in 2011 and 33.2% in 2017. Thirty-two percent of respondents knew how and where to find the AEDs, but only 12.5% were able to certainly locate their public-access AED near their residency or work places. The reasons for being unwilling to use the AED included not knowing how to use (65.0%), fear of causing harm to the victim (21.3%), and legal liability (11.7%).
CONCLUSION
Not knowing the location of AED and how to use it, and being unaware of the Good Samaritan Law were the major barriers to public access defibrillation. Further research is urgently needed if AEDs are to be increased and more lives saved.

Keyword

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Automated external defibrillator; Public health; Community surveys

MeSH Terms

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Defibrillators*
Hand
Intention
Internship and Residency
Jurisprudence
Korea
Liability, Legal
Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Public Health
Surveys and Questionnaires
Workplace