CPR as Beneficial as Home Defibrillators

Did you buy a pricey home defibrillator, thinking that it far surpassed the use of age-old manual CPR? Well, the first-ever study conducted to examine the use of automated external defibrillators shows that it is no more effective for cardiac arrest than traditional CPR methods. The Home Automated External Defibrillator Trial (HAT) researchers presented their findings to the 2008 American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions on April 1st, which will be published in the New England Journal of Medicine later in the month.

The randomized international clinical trial took more than three years to complete. In the course of the research, it followed 7,001 heart attack patients—all with a moderate risk of sudden cardiac arrest—and compared those who used traditional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with those who used the AED prior to calling emergency medical services and performing CPR. Researchers found that the survival rates were about the same, though there were few actual cardiac arrests that took place, and only 39% of those occurred at home while not under the supervision of a doctor.

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, which stops blood flow to the brain and other organs. It is more severe than a heart attack, which happens when the blood supply to the heart muscle is interrupted. Cardiac arrest is extremely common, occurring every two to three minutes to someone in the United States. In at least 95% of those cases, the person under arrest dies within a few minutes.

CPR has long been the most effective way to jump-start the heart’s internal pumping system and resume the rhythm. AED’s have been used by medical professionals for years as a way to administer a stronger shock to the heart’s electrical system, but by the time many cardiac arrest victims receive medical care, key moments have passed and it may be too late. The manufacturing of AED products for the home was to be a solution to the time issues.

The AED devices available to patients determined to be in danger of cardiac arrest are helpful in saving lives, though effective training in CPR methods have been found through this study to be just as effective. However, many patients are provided with a greater sense of calm by simply having the device in the home rather than being solely dependent upon another person who is not a medical professional.

AED’s are now also available in many airports, fitness centers, retirement communities, and other public places. It seems that many such facilities feel comfortable having the device on hand rather than ensuring that every employee has the proper CPR education. The devices are relatively self-explanatory and easy to use.

It is important to note that the HAT study did find that in one very specific type of cardiac arrest, AED’s were more effective than using CPR alone. In addition, the study involved all of the 7,001 participants to be trained in AED usage, CPR administration, and proper procedure in calling emergency medical services for assistance. As a result, there was a higher survival rate among participants who went into cardiac arrest.

The primary message that HAT researchers and participating sponsors would like to convey is that every minute counts in cardiac arrest situations. Taking immediate action is key, whether using an AED or performing CPR, and making the call for emergency medical professionals as soon as possible is vital.