More than 300 teams and individuals used a smart phone application to locate, photograph and map more than 1,400 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout Philadelphia.
The participants were part of a crowdsourcing challenge who received cash prizes for mapping the most AEDs. Crowdsourcing is when the public conducts a task traditionally done by a company.
Researchers say an estimated 1 million AEDs have been sold throughout the country, but they’re not tracked.
The data collected will be used to create a new mobile app to help bystanders find the nearest AED during emergencies and for 9-1-1 operators to direct bystanders to AEDs while paramedics are en route to the scene.
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Related Information:
Learn more about AED programs and CPR.
Wonderful site. Plenty of useful information here. I’m sending it to several buddies ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks in your effort!
Steve,Thanks for your comment. In our arlctie we mentioned we felt that an should be available (not placed) every ~200 feet. Taking your note into consideration, if we were to place a unit every 400 feet and we stood in the middle of the two units, a unit would indeed be available every 200 feet. Hope this helps clarify.Thanks for your interest and feedback!Annuvia
I went to pick up my son from Dudley Middle School today and noticed a coctollien for the school to purchase an AED machine in the main office. It astonished me that such a basic piece of equipment is unavailable in a school. I would have thought that it woud be manditory. I am also disappointed that this would not have been considered a priority long before now! Even more surprising was the appathy and sentiments of it costs money and cutbacks expressed when I inquired why this would even be an issue. It was almost as if the possibility of even saving one life wouldn’t be worth it due to the expense . You don’t have to be a health care provider such as I to appreciate the serious consequences incurred less this be corrected.