Mandatory automated external defibrillators in public places, increase the chances of survival of victims of cardiac arrest and improve the recovery of their cardiac functions.
The presence of an automatic defibrillator has been compulsory in places open to the public since October 2016 according to French law. This concerns establishments which have a capacity of at least 701 people. The presence of an automated external defibrillator (AED) increases a victim’s chances of survival of cardiac arrest. In fact, the public present and trained can act before the arrival of help.
American researchers have proven the effectiveness of automated defibrillators in improving the survival rate of victims of cardiac arrest, but also in their recovery. The results of this research were published by the American Heart Association. According to this work, for 60% of cardiac arrests that occur in a public place, but not in a hospital setting, the heart rate of the victims is shocking. That is, defibrillation is necessary. Conversely, for non-shockable rhythms, defibrillation is not recommended.
66.5% survival rate with public defibrillators
To obtain these results, the researchers collected data on cardiac arrests that occurred between 2011 and 2015 in 9 regional districts. About 4000 cardiac arrests have been analyzed. 18.8% of shocking arrests were defibrillated with an AED.
Scientists compared these cases to cases where defibrillation is provided when emergency medical personnel arrive, and therefore later. The survival rate is higher in the first case (66.5% against 43%). Also, for 57.1% of cardiac arrests treated directly with an automated defibrillator, the victims regain a functional cardiac capacity. This is the case for 32.7% of cardiac arrests treated when emergency services arrive.
The need to educate the public
This research was carried out in the United States, where AEDs have been installed for a long time and the population has been made aware of their use. AEDs are used only in 3% of cases in France. 47% of the population is trained in first aid, compared to 95% of the population in Norway or 80% in Austria.
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