Stockholm Taxis Equipped with Automated External Defibrillators

Recognizing that every minute following sudden cardiac arrest results in 10% deterioration Stockholm Hospital Södersjukhuset has allied with taxis, providing them with over 100 AEDs, the idea being that cabs without passengers can respond to emergency calls as well as anyone.

AEDs, especially the Powerheart AED G3 Plus, are fully functional on their own. They are able to immediately assess cardiac activity, deliver shocks when needed, and even are able to reassess the need to deliver a shock in critical moments.  Some experts liken the Powerheart AED  G3 Plus as a “mirror” to hospital treatment given that it can indeed assess not only the shock, but the amount of electricity needed.

According to the Local, Sweden’s English newspaper:

“…One Taxi Stockholm driver taking part in the project, Joakim Svendsen, said the defibrillator was simple to use.

“It’s incredibly easy. You just lift the lid, push the on-off button, and it starts giving you instructions,” he told SR, adding that with his own background as a nursing assistant he hoped to be able to help someone in an emergency.

“I would probably be incredibly nervous. You’re standing there and have the chance to save a life,” he said.

The defibrillators will only be used when the patient’s heart has stopped and there is no pulse.

Several dozen security guards and their vans will also be equipped with defibrillators.”

There is no intent for taxi drivers to replace regular medical attention; the goal is to reduce treatment time.  A Powerheart AED is already recording cardiac activity and shock activity for the 2nd responders.

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