Automated external defibrillators in Washington State high schools
Key result
Automated external defibrillators were present in 54% of Washington State high schools, though only 6% coordinated placement with the local emergency medical system.
Population
118 high schools in Washington State
Design
Cross-sectional
Authors
Discussion
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Member takes
Implication
AED-EMS coordination remains rare despite moderate high-school availability; leaves open whether integration improves sudden cardiac arrest outcomes.
Study Design
Type
Cross-Sectional (n=118)
Multicenter
Yes
Structured PICO
P
Population
118 high schools in Washington State surveyed to determine the prevalence, funding, and use of automated external defibrillators.
E
Exposure
Placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and emergency preparedness for sudden cardiac arrest
O
Outcome
AED prevalence and location, funding for AEDs, AED training of school personnel, coordination of AED placement with local emergency response agencies, and prior AED use
While over half of Washington State high schools have an AED, there is a significant need for improved emergency response structuring and coordination with local emergency medical systems.
Cite This Study
Rothmier et al. (2007) conducted a cross-sectional in Sudden cardiac arrest preparedness (n=118). Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) was evaluated on AED prevalence and location, funding, training, coordination with emergency response, and prior use. Automated external defibrillators were present in 54% of Washington State high schools, though only 6% coordinated placement with the local emergency medical system.