Trained first-responders with an automated external defibrillator: how do they perform in real resuscitation attempts?

INTRODUCTION The quality of first-responder performance at the end of automated external defibrillator (AED) training may not predict the performance adequately during a real resuscitation attempt. METHODS Between January and December 2000, we evaluated 67 resuscitation attempts in Amsterdam and surroundings, where police officers used an AED. We compared their performance with their assessment at the end of their ERC AED training course. One of the main goals of training was to deliver a shock within 90 s after switching the power on in the AED. RESULTS We analysed 127 police officers working in 67 police-teams. The police officers had a mean age of 35 years (range 23-54 years), 73% was male. The interval between AED training and the first resuscitation attempt was a median of 4 months (range 1-13). 78% percent of the 67 teams consisted of two police officers who both were qualified as "competent" after the initial training. Successful completion of the course correlated well with good performance during a resuscitation attempt (p = 0.009). When measured switching the power on in the AED, 92% of the victims received a shock within 90 s. CONCLUSIONS Successful training correlates well with successful performance in the field. Competence of a team may be better than competence of two separate individuals.