Premium
Influence of Electromagnetic Fields on Function of Automated External Defibrillators
Author(s) -
Fleischhackl Roman,
Singer Florian,
Nitsche Wolfgang,
Gamperl Guenther,
Roessler Bernhard,
Arrich Jasmin,
Fleischhackl Sabine,
Losert Heidrun,
Sterz Fritz,
Mittlboeck Martina,
Hoerauf Klaus
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
academic emergency medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.221
H-Index - 124
eISSN - 1553-2712
pISSN - 1069-6563
DOI - 10.1197/j.aem.2005.07.036
Subject(s) - medicine , sinus rhythm , electromagnetic interference , automated external defibrillator , shock (circulatory) , emi , medical emergency , emergency medicine , cardiology , resuscitation , cardiopulmonary resuscitation , atrial fibrillation , electrical engineering , engineering
Objectives:In this study, the authors tested whether electromagnetic interference (EMI) is able to impair correct electrocardiogram analysis and produce false‐positive shock advice from automated external defibrillators (AEDs) when the true rhythm is sinus.Methods:Nineteen healthy subjects were used to test five AEDs available on the Austrian market in a prospective, open, and sequence‐randomized study. The primary outcome variable was the absolute number of shocks advised in the presence of EMI. The secondary outcome was the number of impaired analyses caused by incorrectly detected patient movements or electrode failure.Results:Of 760 tests run, 18 (2.37%) cases of false‐positive results occurred, and two of five AEDs recommended shocks in the presence of sinus rhythm. Of 760 tests run, no electrode failures occurred. There were 27 occurrences (3.55%) of motion detected by an AED in the presence of strong electromagnetic fields.Conclusions:AED models differ in their response to EMI; it may be useful to consider specific safety requirements for areas with such fields present. Working personnel and emergency medical services staff should be informed about potential risks and the possible need for patient evacuation before AEDs are attached and shock recommendations are followed.