Improved Survival With Automated External Defibrillator-Only Training in a Public-Access Defibrillation Program: A 23-Year Database Analysis of Progetto Vita.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remains a significant public health challenge, characterized by poor overall survival. Early defibrillation is crucial to manage fatal arrhythmias. The use of automated external defibrillators is a promising tool in minimizing time to defibrillation and enhancing survival.

Methods

PV (Progetto Vita) in Piacenza pioneered the first community-based automated external defibrillator project in Europe. We present survival data spanning 23 years for all cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest managed under both PV and standard emergency medical services interventions.

Results

A total of 6996 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests were recorded. Among these, 156 cases were managed by PV volunteers (PV group). The PV group managed a signific

SUBMITTER: Aschieri D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12684776 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature