Automated External Defibrillators: How HF/E Helps Win the Race against Time

Abstract

FEATURE AT A GLANCE: In emergency situations, time is critical. Because it takes time for an ambulance to arrive, many not-for-profits such as the American Red Cross and American Heart Association, along with many local emergency medical service unions, encourage the public to learn how to perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Although AED technology can be life saving, there are several trade-offs in design features and innovations, which can be critical when designing or selecting the appropriate AED for a specific setting. This article focuses on the human factors engineering used by designers and manufacturers during the design and development of several modern AEDs, including a discussion of the trade-offs involved.