Cardiovascular arrest: increasing the chances of survival The ‘AED Wirkt’ project is investigating the distribution of life-saving defibrillators in the city of Oldenburg. Interactive visualisations and local data will be used to identify new locations in order to optimise emergency care.
In the event of sudden cardiac arrest, people need professional help within minutes to ensure their survival. In Germany, there are 120,000 cases of cardiac arrest outside hospitals every year – only 11 percent of those affected survive.
What measures can be taken to increase the survival rate?
The first step is the well-known chest compressions. In addition, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can help by delivering a targeted shock to the heart to restore its regular rhythm.
After receiving an emergency call, the emergency services not only dispatch an ambulance, but also locate the nearest AED and alert trained individuals in the vicinity. They can then bring the AED to the first responders and operate it correctly.
Are AEDs in the right place at the right time?
But are AEDs also where they are needed – and accessible at the right time? This is exactly what the ‘AED Wirkt’ project aims to ensure.
In cooperation with the Oldenburger Land control centre and the Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe, OFFIS is searching for white spots on the AED map of the city of Oldenburg. These are locations where there is an increased risk of cardiac arrest but no AED is nearby.
What influences the placement of an AED?
The placement of an AED depends on several factors, including:
- Availability of a power connection
- Easy accessibility
- Persons responsible for maintenance
- Financing
Making better decisions together
Collaboration with researchers from Scotland and Canada has shown that it is not enough for a mathematical model to tell us where new AEDs should be placed. Instead, those involved must be empowered to weigh up the pros and cons of different locations together.
The data for this is provided by various stakeholders in the city of Oldenburg, primarily the Oldenburger Land control centre. The interface between people and data – an interactive visualisation – is being developed by OFFIS.
With the help of this visualisation, those involved can play through various options for positioning new AEDs and thus make a decision that saves lives.
