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Potential error in the use of an automated external defibrillator during an in-flight medical emergency

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 May 2015

Peter G. Katis  and
Solange M. Dias
Peter G. Katis*
Affiliation:
Emergency Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ont.; Lecturer, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
Solange M. Dias
Affiliation:
Department of Family Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
*
Toronto General Hospital, R. Fraser Elliot Building, GS-434, 200 Elizabeth St., Toronto ON M5G 2C4; 416 340-3856, fax 416 340-4300, peter.katis@uhn.on.ca

Abstract

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In-flight medical emergencies are uncommon, generally non-lethal events. In fatal cases, the most common cause of death is a sudden cardiac event. This fact, and the awareness that early defibrillation is the most important determinant of successful cardiac resuscitation, have led to the increasing availability of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) aboard commercial airplanes. AEDs are sophisticated and extremely reliable devices that are designed to be used by trained laypersons in the hope of minimizing the crucial time to defibrillation. Although designed to be foolproof, both machine- and operator-dependant usage errors have been recognized. In this case study we report a unique operator-dependent error involving the misreading of an AED instruction window, briefly review the history of AED use in the airline industry, and underscore the need for a sound knowledge of basic life support skills when working with these devices. We conclude by making recommendations to prevent similar errors from occurring in the future.

Keywords

in-flight medical emergencyairplaneAEDautomated external defibrillatorerror
Type
Case Report • Observations De Cas
Information
Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine , Volume 6 , Issue 1 , January 2004 , pp. 45 - 47
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2004

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