In-Field Comparison between Fully Automatic and Semi-Automatic Defibrillators

Abstract

AbstractThe purpose of this clinical study was to compare the prehospital use of fully automatic defibrillators versus semi-automatic defibrillators.Methods:Fully and semi-automatic defibrillator use by EMTs in neighboring communities was compared.Results:Both programs had similar response times, age and gender distribution, proportion of witnessed arrests, and proportion of patients found initially with ventricular fibrillation (VF). The time-to-shock from proper lead placement was shorter when the fully automatic defibrillator was used (16.6 vs. 44.3 seconds; p<.001) and the survival to hospital discharge rate was greater (26% vs. 0%; p=.O4). The semi-automatic defibrillators were more sensitive in detecting VF than were the fully automatic devices.Conclusions:These data support the need for further comparison of the efficacy and effectiveness of semi- and fully automatic, external defibrillators.