title: Use of an automated device for external chest compressions by first-aid workers unfamiliar with the device: a step toward public access?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective was to establish the feasibility of using an automated external chest compression (ECC) device among first-aid workers unfamiliar with the device.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty first-aid workers unfamiliar with the Autopulse ECC device were randomized into three groups. Group 1 was given two explanatory illustrations on device use. Group 2 was given four explanatory illustrations. Group 3 was shown a 5-minute video on the placement and use of the device and allowed to handle the device for 5 minutes. The time taken to place and start the device on a mannequin was recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no significant difference among the three groups with regard to age, sex ratio, experience, and time elapsed since their last training session. No mistakes in device placement were made by any of the groups. All 80 participants started ECC in less than 160 seconds. There was no significant difference between Groups 1 and 2 in time taken to place or start the device (medians and 25-75 percentiles = 72 [54-112] vs. 86 [46-130] seconds and 154 [103-183] vs. 156 [120-197] seconds, respectively). However, Group 3 first-aid workers obtained significantly better results (19 [16-26] seconds to place and 48 [40-65] seconds to start; p<0.0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An automated ECC device can be rapidly placed and used by first-aid workers unfamiliar with the device. In the light of these results, use of the device by the general public can be envisaged.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Emergency Medicine, SAMU 93, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny, France.
authors.forename: Frédéric
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lapostolle
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Emergency Medicine, SAMU 93, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny, France.
authors.forename: Jean Marc
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Agostinucci
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Emergency Medicine, SAMU 93, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny, France.
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bertrand
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Emergency Medicine, SAMU 93, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny, France.
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Catineau
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Emergency Medicine, SAMU 93, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny, France.
authors.forename: Carine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chassery
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Emergency Medicine, SAMU 93, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny, France.
authors.forename: Mathieu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kessler
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Emergency Medicine, SAMU 93, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny, France.
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Galinski
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Emergency Medicine, SAMU 93, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny, France.
authors.forename: Frédéric
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Adnet
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005392:First Aid / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000628:therapy*; D006336:Heart Massage / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008348:Manikins; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome