The future of AED training for laypeople

Abstract

Ability to provide the first aid is one of the most powerful skills which can save someone’s life. The survival rate of out of hospital cardiac arrest in Europe is only 9%, even though AED (automated external defibrillators) can be accessed in public places to treat it successfully in most of the cases. First aid training is recognised as the most efficient way to provide skills, knowledge and confidence to use AED devices. Laerdal Medical is the company which provides a wide range of training equipment and is specialised in advanced CPR mannequins. As the next step, they research and work on the new tools for AED training. The extensive research was conducted to understand participants, instructor and company perspective towards the future of the AED training. With the help of St John Ambulance in the United Kingdom, the field trip was organised to investigate their current methods and needs of first aid training institution, but also better understand the users by observing courses and interviewing multiple instructors. The research showed that the aim of the courses is to make students effective and not necessarily perfect. Besides, gaining the confidence to act is as important as gaining skills and knowledge. In that process, the huge part plays the practice with the device and the positive and constructive feedback from the instructor. As a result, the project focused on empowering instructors to train and support students without unnecessary limitations. One of the challenges is assessing the performance of multiple students at the same time and also providing constant feedback without losing track of other students. Laerdal’s QCPR (Quality CPR) technology addresses this problem efficiently, however there is no solution which can be applied while students practise the AED use. The concept of future AED training was created. It consists of two elements: the physical QAED Trainer and QAED Classroom app and can be integrated with the Laerdal’s QCPR products. The AED training device does not only provide the conditions for practice but also collects participants performance. The QAED Classroom app analyses the data and provides an instructor with the reliable information which student should be addressed and suggestion what feedback to provide. When an exercise is finished the detailed information about students performance is created. Besides, if the instructor will decide to share the visual feedback with the class, the special interface can be projected on a TV or projector. The concept aims to provide a simple and accessible overview of the student’s performance so the instructor will be less stressed to control everyone but also provide more time to give feedback.