Assessing the Usefulness, Availability and Maintenance of Automated External Defibrillators in Emergency Care in Greater Accra

Why It Matters

Inadequate AED readiness hampers rapid cardiac arrest response, directly affecting survival rates and Ghana's ability to meet Sustainable Development Goal 3 health targets.

Key Takeaways

• Only two‑thirds of stations had functional AEDs.
• Expired pads and weak batteries were common failures.
• Lack of regular maintenance reduced device readiness.
• Trained staff increased odds of operational AEDs.
• Standardized protocols needed to meet SDG‑3 targets.

Pulse Analysis

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) have become a cornerstone of out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrest care, cutting mortality when deployed within minutes of collapse. High‑income health systems routinely stock AEDs in public venues and equip emergency responders with regular training, creating a seamless chain of survival. In contrast, low‑and middle‑income countries often grapple with limited budgets, supply‑chain constraints, and fragmented maintenance frameworks that undermine device readiness. Understanding these systemic gaps is essential for global health initiatives that aim to equalize survival odds across disparate economies.

The Ghanaian National Ambulance Service study in Greater Accra revealed that, despite strong awareness of AED utility, only about two‑thirds of ambulance stations possessed a functional unit at the time of assessment. Common deficiencies included expired electrode pads, depleted batteries, and the absence of a scheduled maintenance calendar. Moreover, the survey highlighted a shortage of dedicated technicians and irregular staff training, factors that statistical analysis linked to lower device operability. Stations that instituted routine checks and certified user training were significantly more likely to retain ready‑to‑use AEDs, underscoring the operational impact of simple procedural safeguards.

Policymakers and donors can translate these insights into concrete actions by mandating standardized maintenance protocols, allocating budget for spare parts, and embedding AED competency modules into ambulance crew curricula. Aligning such measures with Sustainable Development Goal 3—ensuring healthy lives and promoting well‑being—offers a measurable pathway to reduce preventable cardiac deaths in Ghana and similar settings. As regional health systems modernize, scaling proven maintenance models and fostering public‑private partnerships for device supply could accelerate the deployment of reliable AED networks, ultimately strengthening emergency care resilience across sub‑Saharan Africa.