"I Don't Speak English Well." Do Language Barriers Affect Automated External Defibrillator Use? A Randomized Simulation Study With Spanish-Speaking Laypeople.
Myriam Santos-Folgar, Roberto Barcala-Furelos, María Fernández-Méndez et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial assessed the impact of language barriers on automated external defibrillator (AED) use among 50 Spanish-speaking university students. Participants were assigned to receive instructions in either their native language (Spanish) or a foreign language (English). The AEDnative group demonstrated superior performance in critical safety actions, with 96% ensuring no one touched the victim before shock, compared to 12% in the AEDforeign group.
Key findings
- 96% of the AEDnative group ensured no one touched the victim before shock, compared to 12% in the AEDforeign group.
- 83% of the AEDnative group initiated CPR after shock delivery, versus 12% in the AEDforeign group.
- The AEDforeign group delivered the shock significantly faster after pad placement (19 s vs. 33 s; P = 0.016).
Why it matters
Understanding the effects of language barriers on AED use is crucial for improving emergency response in multilingual communities. Enhanced training and resources can lead to better outcomes in cardiac arrest situations.