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Katis PG, Dias SM. Potential error in the use of an automated external defibrillator during an in-flight medical emergency. CJEM. 2004;6(1):45-7doi: 10.1017/s1481803500008903.
Katis, P. G., & Dias, S. M. (2004). Potential error in the use of an automated external defibrillator during an in-flight medical emergency. CJEM, 6(1), 45-7. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1481803500008903
Katis, Peter G, and Dias, Solange M. "Potential error in the use of an automated external defibrillator during an in-flight medical emergency." CJEM vol. 6,1 (2004): 45-7. doi: https://doi.org/10.1017/s1481803500008903
Katis PG, Dias SM. Potential error in the use of an automated external defibrillator during an in-flight medical emergency. CJEM. 2004 Jan;6(1):45-7. doi: 10.1017/s1481803500008903. PMID: 17433145.
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CJEM. 2004 Jan;6(1):45-7. doi: 10.1017/s1481803500008903.

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

CJEM

Peter G Katis, Solange M Dias

Affiliations

  1. Emergency Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. [email protected]

PMID: 17433145 DOI: 10.1017/s1481803500008903

Abstract

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-dependent 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.

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