Public access of automated external defibrillators in a metropolitan city of China

Lin Zhang; Boyu Li; Xufeng Zhao; Yiqin Zhang; Yiting Deng; Anqi Zhao; Wenjie Li; Xuejie Dong; Zhi-Jie Zheng

doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2019.05.015

Public access of automated external defibrillators in a metropolitan city of China

Resuscitation. 2019 Jul:140:120-126. doi: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2019.05.015. Epub 2019 May 23.

Authors

Lin Zhang¹, Boyu Li², Xufeng Zhao², Yiqin Zhang², Yiting Deng², Anqi Zhao², Wenjie Li², Xuejie Dong¹, Zhi-Jie Zheng³

Affiliations

¹ Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Public Health, Shanghai, China.
² Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
³ Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China. Electronic address: zhengzj@bjmu.edu.cn.

PMID: 31129230
DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2019.05.015

Abstract

Background: Public access of automated external defibrillator (AED) is an important public health strategy for improving survival of cardiac arrest. Major metropolitan cities in China are increasingly investing and implementing public access defibrillator programs, but the effectiveness of these programs remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the public accessibility of AED in Shanghai, a major metropolitan city in China.

Methods: From July 1 to September 30, 2018, all AED locations indicated by AED Access Map Apps were visited and investigated in three most densely distributing areas of AED (Huangpu District, Xuhui District, and Central Area of the Pudong New District) in Shanghai. Two AED Access Map APPs were used to identify the location of AEDs. Characteristics of and the barriers to access, the AED sites were recorded. Awareness and skills of first aid and AED among on-site staff of the AED installation sites were evaluated.

Results: A total of 283 sites were marked on two AED Apps. One hundred and seventy (60%) locations were accessible, and 142 (50%) were actually with AEDs installed. Among those AED installed sites, 112 (79%) were completely identifiable to the information on the maps, 20 (14%) were inconsistent and 10 (7%) were inaccurate on the maps. Ninety-four (66%) AEDs had visible signs and information around the location, 7 (5%) AEDs had signs outside of the location, and 107 (75%) sites had educational instructions. In addition, 230 individuals who were around the AED site were interviewed. Among them, 79 (34%) had good knowledge of AED. After shown the picture of AED, 112 (49%) knew whether there was AED in the site, and 108 (47%) knew the AED's location. Eighty-seven (38%) staff have received first aid training, and among them 26 (30%) reported that they had skills in operating the AED.

Conclusions: Public placement and accessibility of AEDs, related public signs and information on AED, and staff's awareness about AED were not optimal in Shanghai. Continuing efforts should be made to improve public accessibility and public awareness, knowledge, and user skills of AED.

Keywords: AED map; Automated external defibrillator; Awareness; Cardiac arrest; China.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
China
Cities
Defibrillators / supply & distribution*
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Health Services Accessibility / statistics & numerical data*
Humans
Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Urban Population