Where are Automated External Defibrillators located in the community areas in Bahrain? And are there any barriers to purchasing AEDs?

IntroductionCurrently to date no study has explored whether Automated External Defibrillators (AED) are readily available in the community setting in Bahrain. Deaths in the pre-hospital setting are high in Bahrain, due to an increase in Heart disease & diabetes in the Gulf.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to find out where are AEDs located in the community areas of Bahrain & to assess the knowledge in these community areas on AEDs.MethodsA phone survey was conducted of 84 locations in Bahrain. The questionnaire assessed primarily if the community location had an AED and secondly assessed knowledge and awareness of AED.ResultsIndicated that only 22% (n=19) of areas surveyed currently had an AED. Also 68% of locations reported that people had collapsed at these locations & 32% (n=27) of the areas reported deaths at these locations. Of the 22% (n=19) locations with an AED in place, four of these locations have used the AED in an emergency.ConclusionIn conclusion the study indicated that there is an inadequate number of AEDs available in the community in Bahrain. No barriers to purchase AEDs were indicated. Public education and awareness of AEDs is fundamental to increase the number of AEDs in the community in Bahrain