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To investigate attitudes and understanding about automated external defibrillators (AEDs) among the public, investigators conducted a cross-sectional survey of adults traveling through the Central Railway Station in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Participants were asked a series of structured open-ended questions (e.g., did they recognize an AED, were they aware of public access AED programs, would they be willing to use an AED).
A total of 1018 individuals from 38 countries participated. When asked what they would do when first encountering a person with cardiac arrest, only 6% of respondents mentioned defibrillation or AEDs, 64% knew what a defibrillator is used for, and 43% were aware that defibrillators are often available for public access. When the interviewer pointed to an AED, only 47% of participants correctly identified it, 53% knew what an AED is used for, and 47% said they would be willing to use one.
Schober P et al. Public access defibrillation: Time to access the public. Ann Emerg Med 2011 Sep; 58:240.
Comment
Widespread placement of public-access AEDs is incomplete without the requisite public education or a method of ensuring ready availability of trained personnel (e.g., employees) in all locations. Both requirements are tall orders.