Short communication, Note
Automated external defibrillator skills among lay people in the region of Koroska: a pilot study
ZALIKA KLEMENC KETIS
orcid.org/0000-0002-0270-1754
; Department of Family Medicine, Maribor and Ljubljana Medical School, Taborska ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Poljanski nasip 58, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
VESNA STROPNIK
; Ravne na Koroškem Health Centre, Ravne na Koroškem, Slovenia
Abstract
Background. In the region of Koroška, there are more and more public spaces equipped with automated external defibrillators
which can be used by a witnessed bystander. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the skills required for
using automated external defibrillators.
Methods. This was a cross-sectional survey conducted in two family medicine practices. We included volunteers who visited
their family doctor during a period of four days. Skills were assessed in a virtual setting using a plastic manikin.
Results. There were 107 participants in the sample, 60.0% were women. Average age of the sample was 47.6±16.8 years.
In the practical part (skills testing), the participants earned 2.7 points from a total of 5 points. Younger participants and those
who attended a course in basic life support, in the past 10 years, had a significantly higher score.
Conclusion. Lay people need more education regarding skills for using automated external defibrillators.
Keywords
automated external defibrillator; basic life support; lay people; survival; cardiac arrest
Hrčak ID:
134105
URI
Publication date:
1.10.2013.
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