The Efficacy of Using Google Maps in Accessing Nearby Public Automated External Defibrillators in Thailand

Introduction Early defibrillation remains the highest priority in the chain of survival for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Shock delivery should be performed within 5 minutes of collapse to achieve a 50% survival rate. Google Maps has been one of the most popular mobile navigation applications worldwide. Our primary objective was to assess the efficacy of Google Maps in locating nearby public automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Methods Local and non-local populations were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to locate AEDs with or without the assistance of Google Maps. Participants used Google Maps on the same smartphone and cellular data network, an activity tracker recorded data for distance covered and time required to retrieve the AED. AEDs were located within 150 seconds of the starting point. Results Out of 100 recruited participants there was no difference in baseline characteristics. In the local population group, Google Maps assistance did not show statistical significance in successfully locating the AED within 150 seconds. Correspondingly, the travel time also showed no difference (173.52 ± 50.99 seconds for Google Maps vs. 206.20 ± 159.53 seconds for control group). The result in the non-local population group revealed no significant difference in successfully locating AEDs within 150 seconds: Google Maps (18.52%) vs. control group (39.13%); p=0.126. The recorded travel time between the Google Maps group and control group were similar (307.59 ± 220.10 seconds vs. 284.0 ± 222.37 seconds; p=0.709). Conclusion In Thailand, using Google Maps mobile assistance was found to be unhelpful in accessing nearby public AEDs.