Layperson and nurse performance using two automated external defibrillators

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death in many countries in the world. Automated external defibrillators or AEDs provide a means for untrained persons to deliver shocks to those who have a certain SCA rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VF). The placement of AEDs in public spaces has become common practice in many countries. A number of device design characteristics associated with AEDs affect the ease with which untrained laypersons are able to deliver shocks. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent that various aspects of AED designs affect the performance of laypersons (N = 20) and a comparison group of trained nurses (N = 20). Laypersons had to report no prior AED experience and nurses must have completed training as RNs and have taken advanced cardiac lifesaving skills training (ACLS) and AED training courses.