In 1999 the Resuscitation Council (UK) embarked on a survey to see the results of the AED (automated external defibrillator) used in a pre hospital setting. Im many cases the AED was located at a fixed location in busy public places such as shopping centres, railway stations, gyms etc.

In the 3,485 resuscitation attempts spontaneous circulation or (ROSC) was restored in 593 cases.  The greater number came from patients who were in a shockable rhythm.  It is known that 191 patients or 5.5% survived to hospital discharge.  Not all of the patients outcomes are known and the survival rate may in fact be higher.