Automated external defibrillators: skill maintenance using computer-assisted learning.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether computer-assisted learning (CAL) can maintain the automated external defibrillation (AED) skills of emergency medical technicians (EMTs).


METHODS
The authors conducted a 1-year prospective comparison of an AED-skill training software program, running on desktop computers, with traditional instructor-led training. The subjects were experienced EMT-Ds (EMT-defibrillation), already trained in automated defibrillation (n = 105) employed as full-time professional EMT-D/firefighters. Two of the 3 groups (groups A and C) in the study were assigned to use the CAL program for 6 months. The third group (group B) remained on the normal, instructor-led training regimen. Pre- and poststudy skill levels were measured using a skills performance test.


RESULTS
A secular trend of improved mean treatment scores was observed across all 3 groups [mean rise of 0.49 point (p = 0.01), repeated-measures analysis of variance]. There were no differences between training groups in the increase in performance scores (p = 0.3). The 1-time cost of supplying the CAL program to the 105 EMT-Ds was $1,575, significantly less than the $3,240-per-year cost associated with instructor-led training.


CONCLUSIONS
The authors observed satisfactory AED skill maintenance for experienced EMT-Ds using CAL to replace 2 of 4 quarterly instructor-led skills reviews. CAL has cost and convenience advantages over instructor-based skill maintenance and is an acceptable alternative.
Jerin
J M
JM
King County EMS Division, Seattle-King County Department of Public Health, WA 98104-4039, USA. jjerin@seanet.com
Ansell
B A
BA
Larsen
M P
MP
Cummins
R O
RO
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000592:standards*; D004634:Emergency Medical Technicians / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D014861:Washington