The impact on users of an unfamiliar AED following a recent training experience: A randomized cross over simulation study

Objective: This study examined the impact of prior familiarity with automated external defibrillator (AED) models on the time of defibrillation and the emotional experiences of laypersons. Methods: We conducted a randomized cross over simulation study with 123 participants to assess their reactions...

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Main Authors: Damjan Slabe, Žiga Metelko, Eva Dolenc Šparovec
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2024-12-01
Series:Resuscitation Plus
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666520424002091
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author Damjan Slabe
Žiga Metelko
Eva Dolenc Šparovec
author_facet Damjan Slabe
Žiga Metelko
Eva Dolenc Šparovec
author_sort Damjan Slabe
collection DOAJ
description Objective: This study examined the impact of prior familiarity with automated external defibrillator (AED) models on the time of defibrillation and the emotional experiences of laypersons. Methods: We conducted a randomized cross over simulation study with 123 participants to assess their reactions to both familiar and unfamiliar AED models. The time to first defibrillation was measured using three different AED training models, two of which were previously unknown to the participants. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were held with the participants to gather further insights. Results: Participants took longer to initiate defibrillation with unfamiliar (M = 34 s) AEDs compared to familiar (M = 27 s) ones. This delay was accompanied by feelings of confusion, nervousness, and anxiety. Factors such as the design of the AED covers, electrodes, and buttons were identified as sources of confusion. Nonetheless, clear instructions and similarities between devices helped facilitate their use. Conclusion: The findings suggest that AED design and familiarity with different AED designs may affect performance by laypersons. To improve user confidence, it would be useful to familiarize users with a variety of AED models as part of training initiatives. Understanding the impact of AED familiarity on rescuer’s response can guide CPR training strategies and improve outcomes for OHCA. As more AED models become available to the public, the user-friendliness of AEDs may also be improved. It is beneficial for AED manufacturers to consider the results of research when developing new models.
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spelling doaj-art-cf5de6a71513436d8fdcba7fa21e20192025-08-20T02:32:21ZengElsevierResuscitation Plus2666-52042024-12-012010075810.1016/j.resplu.2024.100758The impact on users of an unfamiliar AED following a recent training experience: A randomized cross over simulation studyDamjan Slabe0Žiga Metelko1Eva Dolenc Šparovec2Faculty of Health Sciences, Sanitary Engineering Department, Public Health Division, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena pot 5, Ljubljana 1000, SloveniaPublic Medical Centre Kranj, Emergency medical service, Gosposvetska ulica 10, 4000 Kranj, SloveniaFaculty of Health Sciences, Sanitary Engineering Department, Public Health Division, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena pot 5, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia; Corresponding author.Objective: This study examined the impact of prior familiarity with automated external defibrillator (AED) models on the time of defibrillation and the emotional experiences of laypersons. Methods: We conducted a randomized cross over simulation study with 123 participants to assess their reactions to both familiar and unfamiliar AED models. The time to first defibrillation was measured using three different AED training models, two of which were previously unknown to the participants. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were held with the participants to gather further insights. Results: Participants took longer to initiate defibrillation with unfamiliar (M = 34 s) AEDs compared to familiar (M = 27 s) ones. This delay was accompanied by feelings of confusion, nervousness, and anxiety. Factors such as the design of the AED covers, electrodes, and buttons were identified as sources of confusion. Nonetheless, clear instructions and similarities between devices helped facilitate their use. Conclusion: The findings suggest that AED design and familiarity with different AED designs may affect performance by laypersons. To improve user confidence, it would be useful to familiarize users with a variety of AED models as part of training initiatives. Understanding the impact of AED familiarity on rescuer’s response can guide CPR training strategies and improve outcomes for OHCA. As more AED models become available to the public, the user-friendliness of AEDs may also be improved. It is beneficial for AED manufacturers to consider the results of research when developing new models.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666520424002091First aid trainingDefibrillation timingTechnical featuresInstructional designBasic Life SupportSimulation
spellingShingle Damjan Slabe
Žiga Metelko
Eva Dolenc Šparovec
The impact on users of an unfamiliar AED following a recent training experience: A randomized cross over simulation study
Resuscitation Plus
First aid training
Defibrillation timing
Technical features
Instructional design
Basic Life Support
Simulation
title The impact on users of an unfamiliar AED following a recent training experience: A randomized cross over simulation study
title_full The impact on users of an unfamiliar AED following a recent training experience: A randomized cross over simulation study
title_fullStr The impact on users of an unfamiliar AED following a recent training experience: A randomized cross over simulation study
title_full_unstemmed The impact on users of an unfamiliar AED following a recent training experience: A randomized cross over simulation study
title_short The impact on users of an unfamiliar AED following a recent training experience: A randomized cross over simulation study
title_sort impact on users of an unfamiliar aed following a recent training experience a randomized cross over simulation study
topic First aid training
Defibrillation timing
Technical features
Instructional design
Basic Life Support
Simulation
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666520424002091
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