Automated external defibrillators do not recommend false positive shocks under the influence of electromagnetic fields present at public locations.

Anesthesia and analgesia · 2006 · No effect · Moderate evidence

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No effectModerate evidencePaper 5098

In 390 AED tests performed in strong EMF conditions at train stations, there were 0 cases of shocks advised during sinus rhythm (95% CI: 0–0.77). The authors conclude AEDs were safe under the EMF interference present at these locations.

Study snapshot

PublicationAnesthesia and analgesia · 2006

Study typerandomized_trial

Reported directionNo effect

Evidence ratingModerate

Abstract

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) reduce the signal quality of electrocardiograms and may lead to the misinterpretation by automated external defibrillators (AED). We designed this investigation as a prospective study, with a randomized sequence of AED applications on healthy volunteers. We chose busy public places where public access defibrillation was possible as test locations. Strong EMF were sought and found at train stations next to accelerating and decelerating trains. The primary outcome variable was the absolute number of shocks advised in the presence of sinus rhythm by five commonly used AED in Austria. For data analysis, the statistician was blinded in regard to the AED models tested. Data analysis was based on a per protocol evaluation. Of 390 tests run, 0 cases of false positive results occurred (95% CI: 0-0.77). AED can be regarded as safe, even with the interference of EMF present at train stations.

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typerandomized_trial

Effect directionno_effect

PopulationHealthy volunteers

Sample size390

ExposureNot supplied

Evidence strengthModerateConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Outcomes measured

False positive shocks advised by automated external defibrillators (AED) in presence of sinus rhythm
Electromagnetic field interference with AED ECG interpretation (signal quality/misinterpretation)

Limitations

EMF exposure characteristics (e.g., frequency, field strength) not quantified in the abstract
Conducted on healthy volunteers with sinus rhythm; does not address performance in actual cardiac arrest rhythms
Per-protocol analysis (may exclude some tests)

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "randomized_trial",
  "exposure": {
    "band": null,
    "source": "public locations (train stations near accelerating/decelerating trains)",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "Healthy volunteers",
  "sample_size": 390,
  "outcomes": [
    "False positive shocks advised by automated external defibrillators (AED) in presence of sinus rhythm",
    "Electromagnetic field interference with AED ECG interpretation (signal quality/misinterpretation)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In 390 AED tests performed in strong EMF conditions at train stations, there were 0 cases of shocks advised during sinus rhythm (95% CI: 0–0.77). The authors conclude AEDs were safe under the EMF interference present at these locations.",
  "effect_direction": "no_effect",
  "limitations": [
    "EMF exposure characteristics (e.g., frequency, field strength) not quantified in the abstract",
    "Conducted on healthy volunteers with sinus rhythm; does not address performance in actual cardiac arrest rhythms",
    "Per-protocol analysis (may exclude some tests)"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "moderate",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "electromagnetic fields",
    "EMF interference",
    "automated external defibrillator",
    "AED",
    "train station",
    "public locations",
    "false positive shock",
    "sinus rhythm",
    "prospective study",
    "randomized sequence",
    "blinded statistician"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "engineering",
      "weight": 0.6,
      "reason": "Assesses device performance/safety (AED shock advice) under real-world EMF interference at public locations."
    },
    {
      "slug": "occupational-exposure",
      "weight": 0.15,
      "reason": "Exposure setting involves train stations/rail environment, though participants are not described as workers."
    }
  ]
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1213/01.ane.0000244477.15072.16
PubMed: 17122228

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