Saving lives together in sport: - A pilot study attempting to increase the number and availability of automated external defibrillators and to initiate voluntary training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation with the use of automated external defibrillators in Norwegian amateur football clubs.

Abstract

Objectives: In Norway, the potential to increase the number of patients connected to an automated external defibrillator (AED) before ambulance arrival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests is substantial. A blended learning approach is effective for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training with AED usage, and regular hands-on CPR refresher training is recommended. The objective was to test if provision of CPR-training equipment and learning resources combined with a contract to recruit volunteer CPR trainers could facilitate regular refresher CPR-training in Norwegian football clubs and to increase the number and accessibility of AEDs by providing clubs with AEDs and heated cabinets and mandate registration in the national AED registry.

Methods: Non-randomized pilot study (2020-2023). Clubs signed contracts that they would perform CPR training with the use of AEDs for 70% of football players/coaches/staff/volunteers each year and place their received AED outdoors in heated cabinets and register their AED in the Norwegian national AED registry. We explored barriers through follow-up e-mails.

Results: We recruited 116 of 278 (42%) eligible football clubs. From 2020-2023, 5440 football players and 987 coaches/staff/volunteers from 60 (52%) clubs completed CPR training sessions and 20 (17%) repeated CPR training. We provided 112 AEDs and 116 heated cabinets. By a deadline, 68/116 (59%) of clubs had placed their AED outdoors in the heated cabinet and registered their AED correctly in the national AED registry, 27/116 (23%) placed their AED outdoors but did not complete their registration in the AED registry correctly, 13/116 (11%) kept their AED locked indoors and 8/116 (7%) failed to register their AED. Few clubs (20/116, 17%) provided insights into barriers.

Conclusion: We recruited a satisfactory number of football clubs. Over 6000 players, coaches/staff/volunteers completing CRP training shows promise. Most clubs complied to the message of 24/7/365 availability of AEDs and found registration in the national AED registry uncomplicated.