Clin Exp Emerg Med.  2021 Mar;8(1):1-8. 10.15441/ceem.20.053.

Public awareness and willingness to use automated external defibrillators in a metropolitan city

• Lee JH
• Lee DE
• Ryoo HW
• Moon S
• Cho JW
• Kim YJ
• Kim JK
• Kim JH
• Lee KW
• Jin Sc
• Seo JS

• KMID: 2514375
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.15441/ceem.20.053

Abstract

Objective
Early defibrillation is crucial for the survival of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. This study aimed to examine the trends and associated factors regarding public awareness and willingness to use automated external defibrillators (AEDs) through citywide surveys.
Methods
Three-round surveys were conducted in February 2012 (n=1,000), December 2016 (n=1,141), and December 2018 (n=1,001) among citizens in Daegu, South Korea, who were aged ≥19 years. The subjects were selected through a three-stage quota sampling. Awareness and willingness to use an AED were assessed in the three groups. The primary outcome was willingness to use AEDs.
Results
Of 3,142 respondents, 3,069 were eligible for analysis. The proportion of respondents who knew how to use AEDs increased from 4.7% in 2012 to 20.8% in 2018. Of the respondents in 2012, 2016, and 2018, 39.7%, 50.0%, and 43.2%, respectively, were willing to use an AED. Factors associated with willingness to use AEDs were male sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–1.75), cardiopulmonary resuscitation training experience in the previous 2 years (AOR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.43–2.28), recognition of the Good Samaritan law (AOR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.13–1.86), and awareness of how to use an AED (AOR, 4.40; 95% CI, 3.26–5.93).
Conclusion
To increase willingness to use AEDs, education in AED use and the Good Samaritan law, along with re-education to maintain knowledge of AED use, should be considered.

Keyword

Defibrillators; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Surveys and questionnaires