Abstract

JOSE RICARDO, Navarro-Vargas. Trainee basic reanimation instructors' knowledge concerning an automated external defibrillator (DEA). rev.fac.med. [online]. 2012, vol.60, n.4, pp.311-316. ISSN 0120-0011.

Background. The proper use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) forms part of the third link in the chain of survival; it is fundamental in managing ventricular fibrillation (VF the most commonly occurring cardiac arrest in adults). Training in basic resuscitation manoeuvres consists of 3 workstations: cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or compression and ventilation manoeuvres, airway obstruction management and AED management. Objective. Assessing basic cardiocerebral pulmonary resuscitation (CCPR) trainee instructors' prior knowledge concerning AED. Methods. This was a descriptive crosssectional study regarding trainees attending a basic CCPR workshop which was run by the AED management station during the Peruvian Anaesthesiology Congress held in October 2012 (n = 4 anaesthesiology residents and 29 anaesthesiologists). Three basic questions were asked in a survey of those attending the AED management station: "What is its purpose?", "Which factors interfere with its operation?" and "What are the pertinent indications?" Results. Seventeen of the 33 participants answering the survey answered the first question correctly. Fourteen participants did not propose any factor at all in response to the second question, eleven stated a single factor, three stated 2 factors and five 3 factors. Fourteen answered the third question correctly. Conclusion. The study revealed a lack of knowledge regarding the basic principles of AED on admission to the workshop. It is thus suggested that efforts be made to continue teaching basic guidelines regarding how to manage AED and that acquiring these skills should be renewed in a period not exceeding two years.

Keywords : Anaesthesiology; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; electric countershock; Peru.

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