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Among those without training, 86% said they would be willing to participate in a course, reflecting a strong interest in acquiring the skills needed to respond to cardiac emergencies.
By Shula Rosen
Most Israelis understand that defibrillators can save lives, but a new public survey shows that many doubt their ability to use one when it matters most, according to findings released by Magen David Adom (MDA) ahead of National Defibrillator Awareness Day.
The survey, commissioned by MDA and carried out by the Maagar Mochot Research Institute, found near-universal recognition of the devices. Ninety-two percent of respondents said they are aware defibrillators exist, and 96% said they understand their importance in saving lives during cardiac arrest.
Despite that, 63% said they do not feel confident they could operate a defibrillator in an emergency.
Lack of training emerged as a central factor. Nearly two-thirds of respondents, 62%, said they have never received instruction on how to use a defibrillator.
Among those without training, 86% said they would be willing to participate in a course, reflecting a strong interest in acquiring the skills needed to respond to cardiac emergencies.
The poll also examined whether people know where defibrillators are located. Sixty percent said they are aware of the location of the nearest device at least some of the time. At the same time, 76% said they were unaware that MDA operates a national database listing defibrillators across the country.
MDA said callers to its 101 emergency dispatch center can be guided to the closest registered defibrillator while receiving real-time instructions on performing CPR.
The survey was released as MDA prepares to observe National Defibrillator Awareness Day on Sunday in partnership with Mifal HaPais, Israel’s government-owned lottery company.
The awareness initiative focuses on increasing public access to defibrillators and encouraging individuals and institutions to register privately owned devices in the national system.
Data from MDA’s Medical Division show that 70% of cardiac arrest cases in Israel occur in the home, while 14% happen in medical facilities and 16% in public locations.
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