Cost-effectiveness of a semi-automatic external defibrillation program in Galicia

Objective: To assess the cost-effectiveness of semiautomatic external defibrillator use in a

program started in 2001 by the emergency service of the public health service in Galicia,

Spain (the FPUS-061 service).

Methods: We calculated the survival rate after cardiorespiratory arrest before and after

starting use of semiautomatic external defibrillators; pre-program data for 1999-2000

were compared with data for 2006, when the program was in full operation. All costs

related to the program were identified, classified, and recorded; increases were then

calculated. Percentages of improvement between the baseline (100%) and second

measurement periods were assessed for 3 measures of effectiveness: attempted

resuscitations after cardiorespiratory arrest, recovery of vital constants, and survival on

hospital discharge. The cost-effectiveness ratio for all cardiorespiratory arrests was

compared with the ratio for arrests treated with a semiautomatic external defibrillator.

Results: Attempted resuscitations increased by 72% over baseline, recovery of vital

constants increased by 107%, and survival increased by 221%. Total costs related to

implementing the use of semiautomatic external defibrillators rose by €122 974.57. The

cost per survivor discharged after a cardiorespiratory arrest that was treated with a

semiautomatic external defibrillator was €8783.90.

Conclusions: The FPUS-061 program for using semiautomatic external defibrillators is

clearly effective in terms of the number of cardiorespiratory arrests attended, recovery of

vital constants, and survival at hospital discharge. Survival increased more than 200%

over the baseline situation. This study reveals that the cost-effectiveness ratio is very

high.