Using AED based on the instructions is not safe

Purpose of the study: Automated external defibrillators (AED) can be used outside the hospitals by lay or non-healthcare providers. The goal of the study was to check, if lay rescuers can rely on the instructions while using AED and prepare it adequately. Materials and methods: The research was undertaken on a group of 100 first year Medical Faculty students of the University of Medical Sciences in Poznan. After short theoretical introduction how to use AED they were asked to demonstrate on a manikin BLS-AED procedure. Their skills were tested when they relied on the instruction belonging to the AED (500 T Lifepack). Results: We have observed some important errors, when the students were performing the AED procedure. We can classify these errors into two groups. One is connected with the attachment of the electrode pads. The second group is connected with the use of the AED. The students put AED on the opposite side to the rescuer, they continued with the vocal and visual instructions, they were touching the victim during the use of the AED and they did not decide to use the AED in pregnancy. The observed errors indicate the need to change the instructions for the use of the AED because it lacks important information. The students tested were not safe using the AED based on the instructions contained with the device. Conclusions: Based on the results, we can conclude that the instruction of the use of AED can lead to dangerous performance like not defibrillation of the victim and current shock of the rescuer. The belonging to AED instruction should be modified.