Prototype Just-in-time Medical Device Enables Untrained Bystanders To Save Lives

About 300,000 people a year suffer sudden cardiac arrest in the United States. Sometimes the victim's life hinges on the help of bystanders, given that response time by paramedics following a 911 call is usually more than 6 minutes and that the probability of survival decreases 7--10% each minute after the incident. Studies show that less than 1% of bystanders have had CPR training, and of those, fewer than 10% retained the knowledge only a few months after training.

The JITS device prototype used in the study consisted of a dummy "victim," a pressure-sensing headrest, an anesthesia mask, defibrillator pads, and a video screen and speakers that transmit audio and visual cues to tell the user what to do and give him or her feedback about actions taken. The cues were based on American Heart Association protocols.

Half the 40 participants used the JITS device and half did not. Those using the device not only surpassed the no-device group in every measure but performed to the level of the AHA guidelines.

If JITS devices were used, the number of people able to provide life-saving treatment would vastly increase and survival chances for sudden cardiac arrest victims could be significantly improved.

The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in September 2007, is a multidisciplinary professional association of more than 4,500 persons in the United States and throughout the world. Its members include psychologists and other scientists, designers, and engineers, all of whom have a common interest in designing systems and equipment to be safe and effective for the people who operate and maintain them.