Evaluation of Slovenian Occupational Therapists' Theoretical Knowledge and Stress Levels Connected With Providing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

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 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.

Effectiveness of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation at the Workplace

BACKGROUND

Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) is a medical emergency whose chances of survival can be increased by rapid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and early use of Public Access Defibrillators (PAD). Basic Life Support (BLS) training became mandatory in Italy to spread knowledge of resuscitation maneuvers in the workplace. Basic Life Support (BLS) training became mandatory according to the DL 81/2008 law. To improve the level of cardioprotection in the workplace, the national law DL 116/2021 increased the number of places required to be provided with PADs. The study highlights the possibility of a Return to spontaneous circulation in OHCA in the workplace.

METHODS

A multivariate logistic regression model was fitted to the data to extrapolate associations between ROSC and the dependent variables. The associations' robustness was evaluated through sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

The chance to receive CPR (OR 2.3; 95% CI:1.8-2.9), PAD (OR 7.2; 95% CI:4.9 - 10.7), and achieve Return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (crude OR 2.2; 95% CI:1.7-3.0, adjusted OR 1.6; 95% CI:1.2-2.2) is higher in the workplace compared to all other places.

CONCLUSION

The workplace could be considered cardioprotective, although further research is necessary to understand the causes of missed CPRs and identify the best places to increase BLS and defibrillation training to help policymakers implement correct programming on the activation of PAD projects.