Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Accessibility of AEDs in Guangzhou, China

The level of public automated external defibrillator (AED) allocation serves as a key indicator to evaluate the modernization process of public health, and a scientific evaluation of AEDs’ spatial characteristics and accessibility is an essential premise for promoting rational allocation. This study employed several methods, including kernel density analysis, buffer analysis, Thiessen polygon, network analysis, and raster Gaussian two-step floating catchment area (G2SFCA) to investigate AEDs’ spatial distribution, service coverage, and spatial accessibility from two different dimensions: the central urban area and the administrative region of Guangzhou. The findings indicated that: The allocation of AEDs in central urban areas was concentrated, providing extensive coverage in service areas and population. However, the supply-demand ratio and accessibility remained moderate to low due to high population density. In contrast, AEDs were dispersed in suburban areas, with smaller coverage and populations, only forming a few localized clusters. But the accessibility was higher because of lower population density in these localized clusters. AEDs in suburban areas exhibited a pattern of large areas lacking service coverage, while smaller, scattered areas with high accessibility. Then the study proposed optimization strategies for AEDs’ allocation, aiming to provide references for improving public health in Guangzhou.