title: Data management in automated external defibrillators: a call for a standardised solution.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The ECG data stored in automated external defibrillators (AEDs) may be valuable for establishing a final diagnosis and deciding further diagnostics and treatment. Different data management systems are used and this may create significant problems for data storage and access for physicians treating victims in whom an AED has been used.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this descriptive study, we collected information (number, manufacturer and model) on 17 December 2010 from a web page used for the voluntary registration of AEDs in Denmark. The manufacturers were contacted and asked to provide information about data downloading.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 12 different manufactures and 20 different AED models. Five models were registered in a quantity <5. We report data from the remaining 15 models (3603 AEDs). Several models stored only one case or 15 min of ECG data. All models had a data transfer option, but most had outdated 'hardware': Seven had infrared transfer; one had a cable with a serial port. Four had a removable memory device, but only one was a USB. The software was available as freeware only in a few cases. Otherwise, a CD ROM was needed, some even with a licence. The software for the second most common AED could not be installed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The development of data management solutions is not a high priority. We encourage the manufacturers to collaborate with researchers to develop a simple data transfer solution in order to improve patient care and facilitate research.
authors: Department of Anaesthesia, Centre of Head and Orthopaedics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark. anne.mn@dadlnet.dk
authors: A M
authors: AM
authors: Nielsen
authors: L S
authors: LS
authors: Rasmussen