External artifacts by advanced life support providers misleading automated external defibrillators

Calle, Paul A.; De Paepe, P.; Van Sassenbroeck, D.; Monsieurs, K.G.

doi:10.1016/J.RESUSCITATION.2008.07.016

Title

External artifacts by advanced life support providers misleading automated external defibrillators

Author

Calle, Paul A.

De Paepe, P.

Van Sassenbroeck, D.

Monsieurs, K.G.

Abstract

Background The ECG analysis algorithm of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) shows reduced sensitivity and specificity in the presence of external artifacts. Therefore, ECG analyses are preceded by voice prompts. We investigated if advanced life support (ALS) providers follow these prompts, and the consequences if they do not. Methods In a two-tiered EMS system all 510 ECG analyses from 135 resuscitation attempts with a Laerdal® FR2 AED (applied by emergency medical technicians [EMTs] and subsequently used by ALS providers) were prospectively evaluated. The ALS data were compared with data before arrival of ALS providers (EMT data) using Mc Nemar test. Results In the presence of ALS providers, 286 ECG rhythm analyses were performed. In the 96 analyses with shockable rhythms, artifacts were detected in 35 (36%), leading to a wrongful no shock decision in 19 (20%). Corresponding EMT data were 67 analyses with shockable rhythms, with artifacts in 18 (27%; p < 0.001) but a wrongful no shock decision in only 3 (4%; p < 0.001). ALS providers also failed to deliver the AED shock in 7 of the 77 analyses with an appropriate shock decision (9%). This was never found in the EMT data. In the 190 analyses of a non-shockable rhythm in the presence of ALS providers, artifacts were detected in 120 (63%) leading to one spurious shock (0.5%). Corresponding EMT data were 157 analyses, with artifacts in 87 (55%; p = 0.20) but no spurious shocks. Conclusions External artifacts were frequently found, sometimes leading to important errors. Consequently, more training is needed, especially for ALS providers.

Language

English

Source (journal)

Resuscitation. - Limerick, 1972, currens

Publication

Limerick : 2008

ISSN

0300-9572 [print]

1873-1570 [online]

DOI

10.1016/J.RESUSCITATION.2008.07.016

Volume/pages