Abstract
After receiving one of three types of automated external defibrillator (AED) training (exposure only, low, and high) and a two week retention interval, participants resuscitated a manikin with an AED. The groups' performances were compared using three measures — time to shock, electrode pad placement, and errors — and subjective measures. It was expected that 90% of participants in all groups would perform at the minimally acceptable level; however the high group was expected to perform closer to the ideal level than less trained groups.
Most participants performed at the minimally acceptable level for time to shock, pad placement, and safety. Ease-of-use and confidence ratings were high, indicating participants felt positively about the AED. When compared to exposure-only training, low and high training had beneficial effects on time to shock, errors, and confidence, suggesting that while untrained (exposure only) users are able to use AEDs, even brief training will improve performance.
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