Use of an automated device for external chest compressions by first-aid workers unfamiliar with the device: a step toward public access?
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.
Lapostolle
Frédéric
F
From the Department of Emergency Medicine, SAMU 93, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny, France.
Agostinucci
Jean Marc
JM
From the Department of Emergency Medicine, SAMU 93, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny, France.
Bertrand
Philippe
P
From the Department of Emergency Medicine, SAMU 93, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny, France.
Catineau
Jean
J
From the Department of Emergency Medicine, SAMU 93, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny, France.
Chassery
Carine
C
From the Department of Emergency Medicine, SAMU 93, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny, France.
Kessler
Mathieu
M
From the Department of Emergency Medicine, SAMU 93, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny, France.
Galinski
Michel
M
From the Department of Emergency Medicine, SAMU 93, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny, France.
Adnet
Frédéric
F
From the Department of Emergency Medicine, SAMU 93, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny, France.
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