This study included patients presenting out of hospital cardiac arrest between 2006 and 2012 in The Netherlands to assess the impact of automated external defibrillators (AED).
Survival rate and neurologic outcomes improved significantly with the use of AEDs (n=6133, 16.2% vs 19.7%; p=0.021) and even more in patients with shockable initial rhythm (n=2823, 29.1% vs 41.4%; p<0.001).
Conclusion
The use of AEDs is associated with improved survival in patients presenting out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and shockable initial rhythm.
Marieke Blom
2014-11-17
Original title: Improved Survival After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest and Use of Automated External Defibrillators.
