[Influences of medical education on first aid and AED knowledge among laypersons].

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although most laypersons have incomplete knowledge of first aid, the placement of automated external defibrillators (AED) on public places suggests AED application by laypersons. Unfortunately, previous results are disappointing; many people don't even recognize AED. Therefore, most authors suggest to force medical education about sudden cardiac death and AED use among laypersons. We wanted to find out whether intensive medical education can improve the recognition of AED at public places and the attendance to acquire knowledge in first aid.
METHODS: In 2001 eight AED were placed in the amusement swimming park "LAGO - die Therme". Contemporaneously, we started public education regarding sudden cardiac death, resuscitation and AED among layperson visiting the LAGO. After 10 years we interviewed the visitors with special regard to their knowledge of first aid and AED use.
RESULTS: 531 persons (260 men, age 48,4 ± 21,9 [range 8-95] years) fulfilled the questionnaire. 59 (11,1%) stated heart disorder, 219 (41,2%) at least one cardiovascular risk factor. As ten years ago, knowledge of first-aid (59,1%) and AED use (45,2%) was poor, especially among persons younger than 17 years or older than 67 years. 398 (75%) of the interviewed visitors recognized the installed AED, 511 (96,2%) supported the placement of AED.
CONCLUSION: The placement of AED on public places in combination with an intensive medical education results in a high acceptance and recognition of AED. Nevertheless, following our date it seems to be doubtful that this results automatically in a higher attendance to acquire knowledge in first-aid and AED use. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.