title: Evaluation of a new semiautomated external defibrillator technology: a live cases video recording study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the effect of a new automated external defibrillator (AED) system connected by General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) to an external call centre in assisting novices in a sudden cardiac arrest situation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, interventional study. Layperson volunteers were first asked to complete a survey about their knowledge and ability to give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an AED. A simulated cardiac arrest scenario using a CPR manikin was then presented to volunteers. A telephone and semi-AED were available in the same room. The AED was linked to a call centre, which provided real-time information to 'bystanders' and emergency services via GPRS/GPS technology. The scene was videotaped to avoid any interaction with examiners. A standardised check list was used to record correct actions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  85 volunteers completed questionnaires and were recorded. Mean age was 44±16, and 49% were male; 38 (45%) had prior CPR training or felt comfortable intervening in a sudden cardiac arrest victim; 40% felt they could deliver a shock using an AED. During the scenarios, 56 (66%) of the participants used the AED and 53 (62%) successfully delivered an electrical shock. Mean time to defibrillation was 2 min 29 s. Only 24 (28%) participants dialled the correct emergency response number (112); the live-assisted GPRS AED allowed alerted emergency services in 38 other cases. CPR was initiated in 63 (74%) cases, 26 (31%) times without prompting and 37 (44%) times after prompting by the AED.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although knowledge of the general population appears to be inadequate with regard to AED locations and recognition, live-assisted devices with GPS-location may improve emergency care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Bruxelles, Belgium.
authors.forename: Frédéric
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Maes
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Bruxelles, Belgium.
authors.forename: Sébastien
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Marchandise
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Bruxelles, Belgium.
authors.forename: Laurianne
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Boileau
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Bruxelles, Belgium.
authors.forename: Jean-Benoît
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Le Polain de Waroux
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Bruxelles, Belgium.
authors.forename: Christophe
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Scavée
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003657:Decision Making; D047548:Defibrillators; D004631:Emergency Medical Service Communication Systems; D005260:Female; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008348:Manikins; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012649:Self Concept; D014741:Video Recording; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cardiac arrest; Emergency Care Systems, Efficiency; Prehospital Care, First Responders; Resuscitation, Effectiveness