Bystander CPR in south east Scotland increases over 16 years

Background

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains a leading cause of mortality and serious neurological disability across Europe. Without immediate bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), chances of survival are minimal. Despite community initiatives to increase the number of trained CPR providers, the effectiveness of these measures remains unknown and the proportion of OHCA patients receiving bystander CPR in the United Kingdom yet to be established. We sought to identify the change in the rate of bystander CPR in south east Scotland over a 16-year period.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of all adult non-traumatic OHCA in south east Scotland from 1 January 1992 to 31 December 2007 using the Heartstart Scotland database.

Results

7928 OHCA were included. The proportion of patients receiving bystander CPR increased from 34% in 1992 to 52% in 2007 (p for trend <0.0001). The rate of CPR from bystanders, spouses and from relatives increased significantly over the study period. Patients arresting at home received significantly less bystander CPR than those arresting away from home (39% vs 52%, p < 0.0001) regardless of age or sex.

Conclusion

There has been a significant increase in bystander CPR in south east Scotland during the 16-year period. Bystander CPR is associated with an increased rate of survival and targeted CPR training for relatives of patients at risk of sudden cardiac death may be beneficial.     

Chest compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed by lay rescuers for adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to non-cardiac aetiologies

Objective

Bystander CPR improves survival in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). For adult sudden collapse, bystander chest compression-only CPR (COCPR) is recommended in some circumstances by the American Heart Association and European Resuscitation Council. However, adults who arrest from non-cardiac causes may also receive COCPR. Because rescue breathing may be more important for individuals suffering OHCA secondary to non-cardiac causes, COCPR is not recommended for these cases. We evaluated the relationship of lay rescuer COCPR and survival after OHCA from non-cardiac causes.

Methods

Analysis of a statewide Utstein-style registry of adult OHCA, during a large scale campaign endorsing COCPR for OHCA from presumed cardiac cause. The relationship between lay rescuer CPR (both conventional CPR and COCPR) and survival to hospital discharge was evaluated.

Results

Presumed non-cardiac aetiologies of OHCA accounted for 15% of all cases, and lay rescuer CPR was provided in 29% of these cases. Survival to hospital discharge occurred in 3.8% after conventional CPR, 2.7% after COCPR, and 4.0% after no CPR (p = 0.85). The proportion of patients receiving COCPR was much lower in the cohort of OHCA from respiratory causes (8.3%) than for those with presumed cardiac OHCA (18.0%; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In the setting of a campaign endorsing lay rescuer COCPR for cardiac OHCA, bystanders were less likely to perform COCPR on OHCA victims who might benefit from rescue breathing.     

Validity of reported data in the Swedish Cardiac Arrest Register in selected parts in Sweden

Aim

To describe differences and similarities between reported and non-reported data in the Swedish Cardiac Arrest Register in selected parts in Sweden.

Methods

Prospective and retrospective data for treated OHCA patients in Sweden, 2008–2010, were compared in the Swedish Cardiac Arrest Register. Data were investigated in three Swedish counties, which represented one third of the population. The recording models varied. Prospective data are those reported by the emergency medical service (EMS) crews, while retrospective data are those missed by the EMS crews but discovered afterwards by cross-checking with the local ambulance register.

Result

In 2008–2010, the number of prospectively (n = 2398) and retrospectively (n = 800) reported OHCA cases was n = 3198, which indicates a 25% missing rate.When comparing the two groups, the mean age was higher in patients who were reported retrospectively (69 years vs. 67 years; p = 0.003). There was no difference between groups with regard to gender, time of day and year of OHCA, witnessed status or initial rhythm. Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was more frequent among patients who were reported prospectively (65% vs. 60%; p = 0.023), whereas survival to one month was higher among patients who were reported retrospectively (9.2% vs. 11.9%; p = 0.035).

Conclusion

Among 3198 cases of OHCA in three counties in Sweden, 800 (25%) were not reported prospectively by the EMS crews but were discovered retrospectively as missing cases. Patients who were reported retrospectively differed from prospectively reported cases by being older, having less frequently received bystander CPR but having a higher survival rate. Our data suggest that reports on OHCA from national quality registers which are based on prospectively recorded data may be influenced by selection bias.     

New treatment bundles improve survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients: A historical comparison

Introduction

Before the introduction of the new international cardiac arrest treatment guidelines in 2005, patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) of cardiac origin in Northern Italy had very poor prognosis. Since 2006, a new bundle of care comprising use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and therapeutic hypothermia (TH) was started, while extracorporeal CPR program (ECPR) for selected refractory CA and dispatcher-assisted cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was started in January 2010.

Objectives

We hypothesized that a program of bundled care might improve outcome of OHCA patients.

Methods

We analyzed data collected in the OHCA registry of the MB area between September 2007 and August 2011 and compared this with data from 2000 to 2003.

Results

Between 2007 and 2011, 1128 OHCAs occurred in the MB area, 745 received CPR and 461 of these had a CA of presumed cardiac origin. Of these, 125 (27%) achieved sustained ROSC, 60 (13%) survived to 1 month, of whom 51 (11%) were discharged from hospital with a good neurological outcome (CPC ≤ 2), and 9 with a poor neurological outcome (CPC > 2).Compared with data from the 2000 to 2003 periods, survival increased from 5.6% to 13.01% (p < 0.0001). In the 2007–2011 group, low-flow time and bystander CPR were independent markers of survival.

Conclusions

OHCA survival has improved in our region. An increased bystander CPR rate associated with dispatcher-assisted CPR was the most significant cause of increased survival, but duration of CA remains critical for patient outcome.     

Cardiac arrest due to drowning—Changes over time and factors of importance for survival

Aim

To evaluate changes in characteristics and survival over time in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) due to drowning and describe factors of importance for survival.

Method

Retrospectively reported and treated drowning cases reported to the Swedish OHCA registry between 1990 and 2012, n = 529. The data were clustered into three seven-year intervals for comparisons of changes over time.

Results

There were no changes in age, gender, witnessed status, shockable rhythm or place of OHCA during the time periods. Bystander CPR increased over time, 59% in interval 1992–1998, versus 74% in interval 2006–2012 (p = 0.005). There was a decrease in delay between OHCA and calling for the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) over the years, while calling for the EMS to arrival increased in terms of time. Survival to hospital admission appears to have increased over the years (p = 0.009), whereas survival to one month did not change significantly over time. In a multivariate analysis, witnessed status, female gender, bystander CPR, place–home and EMS response time were associated with survival to hospital admission. For survival to one month, place, age, shockable rhythm and logarithmised delay from calling for an ambulance to arrival were of significance for survival.

Conclusion

In OHCA due to drowning, over a period of 20 years, bystanders have called for help at an earlier stage and administered CPR more frequently in the past few years. Survival to hospital admission has increased, while shockable rhythm and early arrival of the EMS appear to be the most important factors for survival to one month.     

Influence of nationwide policy on citizens’ awareness and willingness to perform bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Aims

Public awareness to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and cardiac arrest is influenced by systemic factors including related policies and legislations in the community. Here, we describe and compare the results of the two nationwide CPR surveys in 2007 and 2011 examining public awareness and attitudes to bystander CPR in South Korea along with changes in nationwide CPR policies and systemic factors.

Methods

This population-based study used specially designed questionnaires via telephone surveys. We conducted bi-temporal surveys by stratified cluster sampling to assess the impact of age, gender, and geographic regions in 2007 (n = 1029) and in 2011 (n = 1000). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with willingness to perform bystander CPR.

Results

Public awareness of automated external defibrillators increased from 3.0% in 2007 to 32.6% in 2011. The proportion of the population that underwent CPR training within the previous 2 years increased significantly from 26.9% to 49.0%. The factors most related with intention of bystander CPR were male gender, younger age, CPR awareness, recent CPR training, and qualified CPR learning. In 2011, 75.8% of respondents were more willing to perform bystander CPR for stranger vs. 68.3% in 2007 (p = 0.002). Additional dispatcher hands-only CPR increased this proportion (85.8%, p < 0.001). However, bystander CPR experience rates remained unchanged (3.6–3.9%).

Conclusion

Changes in nationwide CPR policies and systemic factors affected citizens’ awareness and willingness to perform bystander CPR. Additionally, applied dispatcher hands-only CPR and publicity increased public willingness to perform bystander CPR.     

Implementation of the ALERT algorithm,a new dispatcher-assisted telephone cardiopulmonary resuscitation protocol,in non-Advanced Medical Priority Dispatch System (AMPDS) Emergency Medical Services centres

Objectives

Early bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a key factor in improving survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The ALERT (Algorithme Liégeois d’Encadrement à la Réanimation par Téléphone) algorithm has the potential to help bystanders initiate CPR. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the implementation of this protocol in a non-Advanced Medical Priority Dispatch System area.

Methods

We designed a before and after study based on a 3-month retrospective assessment of victims of OHCA in 2009, before the implementation of the ALERT protocol in Liege emergency medical communication centre (EMCC), and the prospective evaluation of the same 3 months in 2011, immediately after the implementation.

Results

At the moment of the call, dispatchers were able to identify 233 OHCA in the first period and 235 in the second. Victims were predominantly male (59%, both periods), with mean ages of 64.1 and 63.9 years, respectively. In 2009, only 9.9% victims benefited from bystander CPR, this increased to 22.5% in 2011 (p < 0.0002). The main reasons for protocol under-utilisation were: assistance not offered by the dispatcher (42.3%), caller physically remote from the victim (20.6%). Median time from call to first compression, defined here as no flow time, was 253 s in 2009 and 168 s in 2011 (NS). Ten victims were admitted to hospital after ROSC in 2009 and 13 in 2011 (p = 0.09).

Conclusion

From the beginning and despite its under-utilisation, the ALERT protocol significantly improved the number of patients in whom bystander CPR was attempted.     

A 5-year experience with cardiopulmonary resuscitation using extracorporeal life support in non-postcardiotomy patients with cardiac arrest

Background

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using extracorporeal life support (ECLS) system has been successfully used to support patients with in- and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA, OHCA) when conventional measures have failed. The purpose of the current study is to report on our experience with extracorporeal CPR in non-postcardiotomy patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed a total of 85 consecutive adult patients, who have been treated with ECLS between January 2007 and January 2012.

Results

The mean CPR duration was 40 min (20–70 min). The mean ECLS support duration was 49 h (12–92 h). Twenty-eight patients (33%) had ECLS related complications. Forty patients (47%) were successfully weaned and 29 patients (34%) survived to hospital discharge. Among survivors, 93% were without severe neurologic deficit. Duration of CPR was shorter for survivors than for non-survivors [(25: 20–50 min) vs. (50: 25–86 min); p = 0.003]. Immediately after ECLS start, the mean blood lactate level was lower (p = 0.003), and the mean pH value was higher in the survivors’ group (p < 0.0001) compared to the non-survivors’ group. The CPR duration for the IHCA group (25: 20–50 min) was shorter compared to the OHCA group (70: 55–110 min; p < 0.0001). The survival rate in this group was higher compared to the OHCA group (42% vs. 15%; p < 0.02).

Conclusions

CPR using modern miniaturized ECLS systems should be established in the treatment of prolonged cardiac arrest and unsuccessful conventional CPR in selected patients. CPR with ECLS for OHCA has worse outcomes compared to IHCA. Duration of CPR was independent risk factor for mortality after extracorporeal CPR.     

Bystander-initiated CPR in an Asian metropolitan: Does the socioeconomic status matter?

Objectives

To determine the association of neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) with bystander-initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and patient outcomes of out of hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) in an Asian metropolitan area.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study in a prospectively collected cohort from the Utstein registry of adult non-traumatic OHCAs in Taipei, Taiwan. Average real estate value was assessed as the first proxy of SES. Twelve administrative districts in Taipei City were categorized into low versus high SES areas to test the association. The primary outcome was bystander-initiated CPR, and the secondary outcome was patient survival status. Factors associated with bystander-initiated CPR were adjusted for in multivariate analysis. The mean household income was assessed as the second proxy of SES to validate the association.

Results

From January 1, 2008 to December 30, 2009, 3573 OHCAs received prehospital resuscitation in the community. Among these, 617 (17.3%) cases received bystander CPR. The proportion of bystander CPR in low-SES vs. high-SES areas was 14.5% vs. 19.6% (p < 0.01). Odds ratio of receiving bystander-initiated CPR in low-SES areas was 0.72 (95% confidence interval: [0.60–0.88]) after adjusting for age, gender, witnessed status, public collapse, and OHCA unrecognized by the online dispatcher. Survival to discharge rate was significantly lower in low-SES areas vs. high-SES areas (4.3% vs. 6.8%; p < 0.01). All results above remained consistent in the analyses by mean household income.

Conclusions

Patients who experienced an OHCA in low-SES areas were less likely to receive bystander-initiated CPR, and demonstrated worse survival outcomes.     

Outcome after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest witnessed by EMS: Changes over time and factors of importance for outcome in Sweden

Background

Among patients who survive after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), a large proportion are recruited from cases witnessed by the Emergency Medical Service (EMS), since the conditions for success are most optimal in this subset.

Aim

To evaluate outcome after EMS-witnessed OHCA in a 20-year perspective in Sweden, with the emphasis on changes over time and factors of importance.

Methods

All patients included in the Swedish Cardiac Arrest Register from 1990 to 2009 were included.

Results

There were 48,349 patients and 13.5% of them were EMS witnessed. There was a successive increase in EMS-witnessed OHCA from 8.5% in 1992 to 16.9% in 2009 (p for trend < 0.0001). Among EMS-witnessed OHCA, the survival to one month increased from 13.9% in 1992 to 21.8% in 2009 (p for trend < 0.0001). Among EMS-witnessed OHCA, 51% were found in ventricular fibrillation, which was higher than in bystander-witnessed OHCA, despite a lower proportion with a presumed cardiac aetiology in the EMS-witnessed group.Among EMS-witnessed OHCA overall, 16.0% survived to one month, which was significantly higher than among bystander-witnessed OHCA.Independent predictors of a favourable outcome were: (1) initial rhythm ventricular fibrillation; (2) cardiac aetiology; (3) OHCA outside home and (4) decreasing age.

Conclusion

In Sweden, in a 20-year perspective, there was a successive increase in the proportion of EMS-witnessed OHCA. Among these patients, survival to one month increased over time. EMS-witnessed OHCA had a higher survival than bystander-witnessed OHCA. Independent predictors of an increased chance of survival were initial rhythm, aetiology, place and age.     

Examining the contextual effects of neighborhood on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and the provision of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Objective

To understand the association between neighborhood and individual characteristics in determining whether or not bystanders perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Methods

Between October 1, 2005 to November 30, 2008, 1108 OHCA cases from Fulton County (Atlanta), GA, were eligible for bystander CPR. We conducted multi-level non-linear regression analysis and derived Empirical Bayes estimates for bystander CPR by census tract.

Results

279 (25%) cardiac arrest victims received bystander CPR. Provision of bystander CPR was significantly more common in witnessed events (odds ratio [OR] 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-2.22, p < 0.001) and those that occurred in public locations (OR 1.67; 95% CI 1.16-2.40, p < 0.001). Other individual-level characteristics were not significantly associated with bystander CPR. Cardiac arrests in the census tracts that rank in the highest income quintile, as compared to the lowest income quintile were much more likely (OR 4.98; 95% CI 1.65-15.04) to receive bystander CPR.

Conclusion

Cardiac arrest victims in the highest income census tracts were much more likely to receive bystander CPR than in the lowest income census tracts, even after controlling for individual and arrest characteristics. Low-income neighborhoods may be particularly appropriate targets for community-based CPR training and awareness efforts.     

Systematic downloading and analysis of data from automated external defibrillators used in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Background

Valuable information can be retrieved from automated external defibrillators (AEDs) used in victims of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We describe our experience with systematic downloading of data from deployed AEDs. The primary aim was to compare the proportion of shockable rhythm from AEDs used by laypersons with the corresponding proportion recorded by the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) on arrival.

Methods

In a 20-month study, we collected data on OHCAs in the Capital Region of Denmark where an AED was deployed prior to arrival of EMS. The AEDs were brought to the emergency medical dispatch centre for data downloading and rhythm analysis. Patient data were retrieved from the medical records from the admitting hospital, whereas data on EMS rhythm analyses were obtained from the Danish Cardiac Arrest Register between 2001 and 2010.

Results

A total of 121 AEDs were deployed, of which 91 cases were OHCAs with presumed cardiac origin. The prevalence of initial shockable rhythm was 55.0% (95% CI [44.7–64.8%]). This was significantly greater than the proportion recorded by the EMS (27.6%, 95% CI [27.0–28.3%], p < 0.0001). Shockable arrests were significantly more likely to be witnessed (92% vs. 34%, p < 0.0001) and the bystander CPR rate was higher (98% vs. 85%, p = 0.04). More patients with initial shockable rhythm achieved return of spontaneous circulation upon hospital arrival (88% vs. 7%, p < 0.0001) and had higher 30-day survival rate (72% vs. 5%, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

AEDs used by laypersons revealed a higher proportion of shockable rhythms compared to the EMS rhythm analyses.     

Association of neighborhood characteristics with incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and rates of bystander-initiated CPR: Implications for community-based education intervention

Objective

A 10-fold regional variation in survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has been reported in the United States, which partly relates to variability in bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) rates. In order for resources to be focused on areas of greatest need, we conducted a geospatial analysis of variation of CPR rates.

Methods

Using 2010–2011 data from Durham, Mecklenburg, and Wake counties in North Carolina participating in the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES) program, we included all patients with OHCA for whom resuscitation was attempted. Geocoded data and logistic regression modeling were used to assess incidence of OHCA and patterns of bystander CPR according to census tracts and factors associated herewith.

Results

In total, 1466 patients were included (median age, 65 years [interquartile range 25]; 63.4% men). Bystander CPR by a layperson was initiated in 37.9% of these patients. High-incidence OHCA areas were characterized partly by higher population densities and higher percentages of black race as well as lower levels of education and income. Low rates of bystander CPR were associated with population composition (percent black: OR, 3.73; 95% CI, 2.00–6.97 per 1% increment in black patients; percent elderly: 3.25; 1.41–7.48 per 1% increment in elderly patients; percent living in poverty: 1.77, 1.16–2.71 per 1% increase in patients living in poverty).

Conclusions

In 3 counties in North Carolina, areas with low rates of bystander CPR can be identified using geospatial data, and education efforts can be targeted to improve recognition of cardiac arrest and to augment bystander CPR rates.     

Dispatcher-assisted bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a metropolitan city: A before–after population-based study

Background

The goal of this study was to determine the effects of dispatcher-assisted bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DA-CPR) on outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Methods

All EMS in a metropolitan city with a population of 10 million are dispatched by a single, centralized, and physician-supervised center. Data on patients with adult OHCA with cardiac etiology were collected from the dispatch center registry and from EMS run sheets and hospital medical record review from 2009 to 2011. A standardized DA-CPR protocol (aligned with the 2010 AHA guidelines) we implemented as an intervention in January 2011. The end points were survival to discharge, good neurological outcome, and bystander CPR rate. Multivariate logistic analysis was used to compare between intervention group (2011) and historical control group (2009–2010).

Results

Of 8.144 eligible patients, bystander CPR was performed for the patients in 5.7% (148/2600) of cases in 2009, 6.7% (190/2857) in 2010, and 12.4% (334/2686) in 2011 (p < 0.001). The survival to discharge rates was 7.1% (2009), 7.1% (2010), and 9.4% (2011) (p = 0.001). Good neurological outcomes occurred in 2.1% (2009), 2.0% (2010), and 3.6% (2011) of cases (p < 0.001). The adjusted ORs (95% CIs) for survival to discharge compared with 2009 were 1.33 (1.07–1.66) in 2011 and 1.12 (0.89–1.41) in 2010. The adjusted ORs (95% CIs) for good neurological outcomes were 1.67 (1.13–2.45) in 2011 and 1.13 (0.74–1.72) in 2010.

Conclusions

An EMS intervention using the DA-CPR protocol was associated with a significant increase in bystander CPR and an improved survival and neurologic outcome after OHCA.     

A tale of two cities: The role of neighborhood socioeconomic status in spatial clustering of bystander CPR in Austin and Houston

Background

Despite evidence to suggest significant spatial variation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BCPR) rates, geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analysis have not been widely used to understand the reasons behind this variation. This study employs spatial statistics to identify the location and extent of clusters of bystander CPR in Houston and Travis County, TX.

Methods

Data were extracted from the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival for two U.S. sites – Austin-Travis County EMS and the Houston Fire Department – between October 1, 2006 and December 31, 2009. Hierarchical logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between income and racial/ethnic composition of a neighborhood and BCPR for OHCA and to adjust expected counts of BCPR for spatial cluster analysis. The spatial scan statistic was used to find the geographic extent of clusters of high and low BCPR.

Results

Results indicate spatial clusters of lower than expected BCPR rates in Houston. Compared to BCPR rates in the rest of the community, there was a circular area of 4.2 km radius where BCPR rates were lower than expected (RR = 0.62; p < 0.0001 and RR = 0.55; p = 0.037) which persist when adjusted for individual-level patient characteristics (RR = 0.34; p = 0.027) and neighborhood-level race (RR = 0.34; p = 0.034) and household income (RR = 0.34; p = 0.046). We also find a spatial cluster of higher than expected BCPR in Austin. Compared to the rest of the community, there was a 23.8 km radius area where BCPR rates were higher than expected (RR = 1.75; p = 0.07) which disappears after controlling for individual-level characteristics.

Conclusions

A geographically targeted CPR training strategy which is tailored to individual and neighborhood population characteristics may be effective in reducing existing disparities in the provision of bystander CPR for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.     

Changing EMS dispatcher CPR instructions to 400 compressions before mouth-to-mouth improved bystander CPR rates

Background

To examine the impact of changing dispatcher CPR instructions (400 compressions: 2 breaths, followed by 100:2 ratio) on rates of bystander CPR and survival in adults with presumed cardiac out-of-hospital arrest (OHCA) in Melbourne, Australia.

Methods

The Victorian Ambulance Cardiac Arrest Registry (VACAR) was searched for OHCA where Emergency Medical Services (EMS) attempted CPR between August 2006 and August 2009. OHCA included were: (1) patients aged ≥18 years old; (2) presumed cardiac etiology; and (3) not witnessed by EMS.

Results

For the pre- and post-study periods, 1021 and 2101 OHCAs met inclusion criteria, respectively. Rates of bystander CPR increased overall (45-55%, p < 0.001) and by initial rhythm (shockable 55-70%, p < 0.001 and non-shockable 40-46%, p = 0.01). In VF/VT OHCA, there were improvements in the number of patients arriving at hospital with a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (48-56%, p = 0.02) and in survival to hospital discharge (21-29%, p = 0.002), with improved outcomes restricted to patients receiving bystander CPR. After adjusting for factors associated with survival, the period of time following the change in CPR instructions was a significant predictor of survival to hospital discharge in VF/VT patients (OR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.15-2.20, p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Following changes to dispatcher CPR instructions, significant increases were seen in rates of bystander CPR and improvements were seen in survival in VF/VT patients who received bystander CPR, after adjusting for factors associated with survival.     

Diurnal variations in incidence and outcome of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest including prior comorbidity and pharmacotherapy: A nationwide study in Denmark

Aim

To investigate diurnal variations in incidence and outcomes following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Methods

OHCA of presumed cardiac etiology were identified through the nationwide Danish Cardiac Arrest Registry (2001–2010). Time of day was divided into three time periods: daytime 07.00–14.59; evening 15.00–22.59; and nighttime 23.00–06.59.

Results

We identified 18,929 OHCA patients, aged ≥18 years. The median age was 72 years (IQR 62–80) and the majority were male (67.5%). OHCA occurrence varied across time periods, with 43.9%, 35.7% and 20.6% occurring during daytime, evening and nighttime, respectively. Nighttime patients were more likely to have: severe comorbidity (i.e. COPD), arrest in private home (87.2% vs. 69.0% and 73.0% daytime and evening, respectively), non-witnessed arrest (51.2% vs. 48.4% and 43.7%), no bystander CPR (75.9% vs. 68.4% and 66.1%), longer time interval from recognition of OHCA to rhythm analysis (12 min vs. 11 min and 11 min), and non-shockable heart rhythm (80.1% vs. 70.3% and 69.4%), all p < 0.0001. Nighttime patients were less likely to achieve return of spontaneous circulation on arrival at the hospital (7.5% vs. 14.8% and 15.1%) and 1-year survival (2.8% vs. 7.2% and 7.1%), p < 0.0001. Overall, the lower 1-year survival rate persisted after adjusting for patient-related and cardiac-arrest related characteristics mentioned above (OR 0.47, 95%CI 0.37–0.59; OR 0.51, 95%CI 0.40–0.65, compared to daytime and evening, respectively).

Conclusions

We found nighttime patients to have a lower survival compared to daytime and evening that persisted when adjusting for patient-related and cardiac-arrest related characteristics including comorbidities.     

Are trained individuals more likely to perform bystander CPR? An observational study

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the association of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training with bystander resuscitation performance and patient outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Methods

This was a prospective, population-based cohort study of all persons aged 18 years or older with OHCA of presumed intrinsic origin and their rescuers from January through December 2008 in Takatsuki, Osaka prefecture, Japan. Data on resuscitation of OHCA patients were obtained by emergency medical service (EMS) personnel in charge based on the Utstein style. Rescuers’ characteristics including experience of CPR training were obtained by EMS personnel interview on the scene. The primary outcome was the attempt of bystander CPR.

Results

Data were collected for 120 cases out of 170 OHCAs of intrinsic origin. Among the available cases, 60 (50.0%) had previous CPR training (trained rescuer group). The proportion of bystander CPR was significantly higher in the trained rescuer group than in the untrained rescuer group (75.0% and 43.3%; p = 0.001). Bystanders who had previous experience of CPR training were 3.40 times (95% confidence interval 1.31-8.85) more likely to perform CPR compared with those without previous CPR training. The number of patients with neurologically favorable one-month survival was too small to evaluate statistical difference between the groups (2 [3.3%] in the trained rescuer group versus 1 [1.7%] in the untrained rescuer group; p = 0.500).

Conclusions

People who had experienced CPR training had a greater tendency to perform bystander CPR than people without experience of CPR training. Further studies are needed to prove the effectiveness of CPR training on survival.