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AED PLACEMENT REGARDING THE PREVENTION OF SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST IN NORTHWEST MISSOURI SENIOR CITIZEN CENTERS

Abstract

Ashleigh Waltz1, Paytan Hoover1, Alicia Trotter1 ; Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO1

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the need for intervention regarding sudden cardiac arrest in rural areas of northwest Missouri through the means of tracking heart related hospitalizations, deaths, emergency room visits, and expenditures. METHODS: A three step process was utilized in gathering data regarding hospitalizations, deaths, expenditures, and emergency room visits from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)as well as the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services. Ten local senior citizen centers were called and questioned about automated external defibrillator (AED)accessibility. That Information was then documented and implemented into a visual analysis that was presented to a local audience. RESULTS: Results concluded that 50% of senior citizen centers in northwest Missouri had an AED. Of thesefacilities,15,067 hospitalizations, 15,614 deaths, $117 million expenditures, and 19,594 emergency room visits occurred in the northwest region regarding heart issues. The visual presentation informed the local community about the issue and 100% of the responses were in favor for implementation of AEDs. CONCLUSION: Rural communities face many challenges regarding heart health. Fifty percent of the senior centers did not have access to an AED indicating that next step plans would be to create resources for AED implementation with proper training in hopes to decrease the number of emergency responses, hospitalizations, expenditures and deaths related to heart issues. The northwest Missouri region makes up a small percentage of the state of Missouri. Future efforts should be extended to the entire state.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Mosaic Medical Center-Maryville

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