I know a bit about "heart murmurs", Claire. In fact I'm having some T-shirts made with the slogan "Do Not Resuscitate" emblazoned across them. After all, surely every biomed knows what their own ECG looks like!
I agree that in a properly organised and motivated society, everyone should be able (and willing) to "have a go" to help anyone in need. Don't British kids get taught CPR? If not, why not?
Meanwhile, if manufacturers of medical equipment insist on using the latest technology (instead of reliable, proven, technology), then I wonder if AED's shouldn't contain circuitry by which (from which) a non-tech person could record the battery state - and an indication of the number of discharges remaining - simply by passing by with a BlueTooth (or some other suitable) logging device.
