To analyze access to AEDs, researchers at the University of Toronto examined data from a Toronto regional cardiac arrest database to identify all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests from 2006 to 2014 and compared them to a list of registered AEDs from Toronto Paramedic Services.
Here are four things to know about the study.
- About 2,440 cardiac arrests occurred outside of the hospital in public places, with 737 occurring near registered AEDs.
- Out of those 737 cases, only 354 heart attacks happened within about 100 yards of a usable device.
- About 20 percent of the time, nearby AEDs were located inside of a locked building. For cardiac arrests that happened overnight or during weekends, about 32 percent occurred near an accessible AED.
- AEDs can cost up to $2,000, so theft prevention may be a reason why they are often locked up, Reuters reported. Researchers concluded better laws regarding the licensing of AEDs and 24/7 accessibility to the public would increase access to the devices.
More articles on supply chain:
Supply chain tip of the week: Replenish your inventory the right way
Cost of EpiPens up to $700
Letter to the editor: Amgen exec responds to ‘flawed’ cholesterol drug study
