Victims of SCA treated with AEDs by bystanders have much greater chance of survival

Apr 16 2010

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survival Rates Jump When AEDs Used Before EMS Arrival

Victims of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) who are treated with automated external defibrillators (AEDs) by bystanders have a much greater chance of survival than their counterparts, according to landmark research by the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium, just published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Researchers reviewed 13,769 cases of SCA occurring outside hospitals in multiple sites in the U.S. and Canada. An AED was used before arrival of emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in 2.1 percent of cases. Survival in the overall group was 7 percent, compared to 24 percent when an AED was applied before EMS arrival, and 38 percent when an AED shock was delivered before EMS arrival. Use of an AED before EMS arrival increased the odds of survival by 80 percent.

"This is the first time a broad population was studied in this country," said principal investigator, Dr. Myron Weisfeldt, Director, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. "This study shows in a dramatic way that the use of AEDs by bystanders is a very potent indicator of survival."

When study results were extrapolated to the entire population of the U.S. and Canada, researchers found that 470 people are saved each year due to bystander use of AEDs. "We are talking about nearly 500 people with families, said Weisfeldt. "I think the impact is significant."

"This study is the landmark research we have been waiting for. It confirms the need for widespread deployment of AEDs, and the need for the public to become familiar with their use," said Mary Newman, President of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation.

"This data also supports the efforts of organizations to advance public education," said Weisfeldt. "We need to get the message out that, 'You can do this. Sixth graders can do this. With AEDs, you have a real chance to save a life.'"