(211) Deployment of Automated External Defibrillators by a Major Supermarket Chain: Results & Implications

Introduction: While installation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) has become commonplace in various public, non-residential settings, use can still remain infrequent in such settings outside of airports and sports events. Conversely, availability in certain highly-trafficked businesses with higher risk for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is not yet standard practice. Therefore, the study purpose was to analyze the value of corporation-wide installation of on-site AEDs across one large supermarket chain.

Methods: In 2016, the Publix supermarket chain deployed AEDs and trained employees in CPR/AED use across all of its 1,335 locations (847 in Florida). A prospective observational study (01/01/16-09/30/21) was used to document device retrieval/activations in Florida locations along with patient characteristics, shocks delivered and outcomes using specialized intake forms at Publix which were later matched to the state EMS data repository.

Results: Among 199 AED retrieval/activations (~3/month) for suspected OHCA inside the store (or parking lots), 73% (n=139) were male patients, median age 60 years (IQR,48-70). On-site AEDs delivered one (or more) shocks in 61/199 (31%) events. State EMS records could only be matched in 36/61 cases (59%) and survival data only available for 13/36. Of those 13, however, 11 (85%) did survive to discharge.

Conclusions: Compared to most other public settings, AEDs needed to be retrieved frequently with 1-in-3 cases receiving shocks (~1 shockable case/month) in one supermarket chain alone. While follow-up data were limited at the time of this analysis, available data still indicated that on-site AEDs did contribute to survival for a large number patients, thus warranting consideration for similar installations nationwide.