Evaluation of telephone CPR advice for adult cardiac arrest patients

INTRODUCTION: Telephone cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) advice aims to increase the quality and quantity of bystander CPR, one of the few interventions shown to improve outcome in cardiac arrest. We evaluated a current telephone protocol (based on 2000 ILCOR guidelines) to assess the effectiveness of verbal CPR instructions. METHODS: Emergency calls were identified from AMPDS codes for cardiac arrest and checked against the ambulance patient record form to confirm the diagnosis. Calls over a seven month period were analysed retrospectively, and the time taken to perform interventions calculated. RESULTS: 176 calls were analysed; of those 145 (82.4%) were confirmed cases of cardiac arrest. CPR was already underway in 11 cases (7.5%), 101 callers (69.7%) agreed to attempt CPR with telephone instructions. The median time to open the airway was 128s (62-482s), to perform the first ventilation was 247s (80-633s), and to perform the first chest compression was 315s (153-750s). Of those attempting CPR, 21 (20.8%) stopped because they were unable to move the patient onto a hard surface, and 28 (27.7%) required multiple attempts to perform effective ventilations. In the telephone CPR group 42/101 (40.6%) did not receive any chest compressions before the arrival of the ambulance crew. CONCLUSIONS: Although current telephone-CPR instructions significantly improve the numbers of patients in whom bystander CPR is attempted, significant delays and poor quality CPR are likely to limit any benefits.     

Quantitative relationship between end-tidal carbon dioxide and CPR quality during both in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

ObjectiveCardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines recommend the administration of chest compressions (CC) at a standardized rate and depth without guidance from patient physiologic output. The relationship between CC performance and actual CPR-generated blood flow is poorly understood, limiting the ability to define “optimal” CPR delivery. End-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO₂) has been proposed as a surrogate measure of blood flow during CPR, and has been suggested as a tool to guide CPR despite a paucity of clinical data. We sought to quantify the relationship between ETCO₂ and CPR characteristics during clinical resuscitation care.MethodsMulticenter cohort study of 583 in- and out-of-hospital cardiac arrests with time-synchronized ETCO₂ and CPR performance data captured between 4/2006 and 5/2013. ETCO₂, ventilation rate, CC rate and depth were averaged over 15-s epochs. A total of 29,028 epochs were processed for analysis using mixed-effects regression techniques.ResultsCC depth was a significant predictor of increased ETCO₂. For every 10 mm increase in depth, ETCO₂ was elevated by 1.4 mmHg (p < .001). For every 10 breaths/min increase in ventilation rate, ETCO₂ was lowered by 3.0 mmHg (p < .001). CC rate was not a predictor of ETCO₂ over the dynamic range of actual CC delivery. Case-averaged ETCO₂ values in patients with return of spontaneous circulation were higher compared to those who did not have a pulse restored (34.5 ± 4.5 vs 23.1 ± 12.9 mmHg, p < .001).ConclusionsETCO₂ values generated during CPR were statistically associated with CC depth and ventilation rate. Further studies are needed to assess ETCO₂ as a potential tool to guide care.     

CPR quality improvement during in-hospital cardiac arrest using a real-time audiovisual feedback system

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quality during actual cardiac arrest has been found to be deficient in several recent investigations. We hypothesized that real-time feedback during CPR would improve the performance of chest compressions and ventilations during in-hospital cardiac arrest. METHODS: An investigational monitor/defibrillator with CPR-sensing and feedback capabilities was used during in-hospital cardiac arrests from December 2004 to December 2005. Chest compression and ventilation characteristics were recorded and quantified for the first 5 min of resuscitation and compared to a baseline cohort of arrest episodes without feedback, from December 2002 to April 2004. RESULTS: Data from 55 resuscitation episodes in the baseline pre-intervention group were compared to 101 resuscitations in the feedback intervention group. There was a trend toward improvement in the mean values of CPR variables in the feedback group with a statistically significant narrowing of CPR variable distributions including chest compression rate (104+/-18 to 100+/-13 min(-1); test of means, p=0.16; test of variance, p=0.003) and ventilation rate (20+/-10 to 18+/-8 min(-1); test of means, p=0.12; test of variance, p=0.04). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in either return of spontaneous circulation or survival to hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Real-time CPR-sensing and feedback technology modestly improved the quality of CPR during in-hospital cardiac arrest, and may serve as a useful adjunct for rescuers during resuscitation efforts. However, feedback specifics should be optimized for maximal benefit and additional studies will be required to assess whether gains in CPR quality translate to improvements in survival.     

In-hospital cardiac arrest

In-hospital sudden cardiac arrest and resuscitation is distinct from out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest (OOHSCA) and warrants specific attention. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a manifestation of an underlying process rather than a disease itself. The complex, multiorgan system dysfunction common among the inpatient population can precipitate SCA by both similar and very different mechanisms than OOHSCA. The diagnostic and treatment algorithms of SCA remain largely the same between the inpatient and outpatient arenas. The application of complex diagnostic and therapeutic interventions is permissible, but such tools must not interrupt or delay the important basics of cardiac arrest management in the inpatient setting, including adequate chest compressions and timely defibrillation when appropriate.     

The effect of team-based CPR on outcomes in out of hospital cardiac arrest patients: A meta-analysis

Objectives

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effects of team cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on outcomes of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Alterations of soluble L- and P-selectins during cardiac arrest and CPR

Objective: To investigate the relationship between cytokines and the inflammatory responses in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, we examined the changes of cytokines as well as alterations in the markers of neutrophil activation, platelet and endothelial activation, and endothelial injury. Design: Prospective, cohort study. Setting: General intensive care unit of a tertiary care center. Patients and participants: 26 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients were classified into two groups: those who achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (n = 10) and those with no ROSC (n = 16). Eight normal healthy volunteers served as control subjects. Measurements and results: Serial levels of soluble L-selectin (sL-selectin), soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin), neutrophil elastase, and soluble thrombomodulin were measured during and after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Serial levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were also measured. We could not find any elevations in either cytokine during the study period. In both groups, sP-selectin levels were significantly higher than those in control subjects from the time of arrival at the emergency department to 24 h after admission. sL-selectin levels in the two groups were markedly lower compared to those in control subjects at all sampling points. In patients with ROSC, cardiac arrest and CPR led to an increase in the levels of neutrophil elastase and soluble thrombomodulin that peaked 6 h or 24 h after arrival at the emergency department. No statistical differences in the levels of the two selectins, neutrophil elastase, and soluble thrombomodulin between the two groups were found during CPR. Conclusions: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and CPR induces platelet, neutrophil, and endothelial activation and is associated with endothelial injury. Inflammatory cytokines may not have an important role in human whole-body ischemia-reperfusion injury. Received: 2 November 1998 Final revision received: 3 March 1999 Accepted: 26 March 1999     

心脏骤停后心肺复苏和心肺脑复苏成功病例的对比分析

目的 探讨影响心脏骤停患者成功脑复苏的相关因素.方法 回顾对比分析心脏骤停后成功心肺脑复苏(A组,n=38)和仅心肺复苏成功(B组,n=42)患者之间的相关指标,包括性别、年龄、原发疾病、心脏骤停原因、心脏骤停环境、心脏骤停相关时间和心肺复苏后相关治疗持续时间.结果 两组性别比和平均年龄比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).原发疾病:A组以外科为主(78.9%),B组以内科为主(61.9%),两组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.005).心脏骤停原因:A组31例(81.6%)为急性缺氧、低血压、内脏神经反射和单纯心脏疾患, B组30例(71.4%)为慢性缺氧和慢性心脏病,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.005).心脏骤停环境:A组24例(63.2%)发生在手术室和ICU,B组22例(52.4%)发生在普通病房,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.005).心脏骤停相关时间:A组心脏骤停持续时间(8.2±8.7)min,自主心跳恢复时间(6.7±8.4)min,脑缺血缺氧时间(1.5±1.3)min,均明显短于B组[分别为(30.8±26.2)min、(27.7±24.9)min和(3.1±3.1)min,P＜0.001或P＜0.005].心肺复苏后相关治疗持续时间:A组亚低温持续时间(4.0±2.6)d,呼吸机持续时间(11.1±19.7)d,与B组[(5.9±3.8)d和(15.4±29.3)d]比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).Logistic多因素回归分析显示,原发疾病(OR=6.22,95%CI 1.64～23.46)、心脏骤停持续时间(OR=1.11,95%CI 1.04～1.19)和心脏骤停发生环境(OR=4.51,95%CI 1.22～16.61)与成功脑复苏的关系更密切,成为三个独立影响因素.结论 没有明显慢性疾病,在手术室和ICU以急性缺氧、低血压和单纯心脏原因发生的心脏骤停,抢救及时有效,复苏后处理恰当、合理,尽早实施全面脑保护是成功脑复苏的有利因素.     

Barriers and facilitators to CPR training and performing CPR in an older population most likely to witness cardiac arrest: A national survey

Background

Bystander CPR rates are lowest at home, where 85% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur. We sought to identify barriers and facilitators to CPR training and performing CPR among older individuals most likely to witness cardiac arrest.

Methods

We selected independent-living Canadians aged ≥55 using random-digit-dial telephone calls. Respondents were randomly assigned to answer 1 of 2 surveys eliciting barriers and facilitators potentially influencing either CPR training or performance. We developed survey instruments using the Theory of Planned Behavior, measuring salient attitudes, social influences, and control beliefs.

Results

Demographics for the 412 respondents (76.4% national response rate): Mean age 66, 58.7% female, 54.9% married, 58.0% CPR trained (half >10 years ago). Mean intentions to take CPR training in the next 6 months or to perform CPR on a victim were relatively high (3.6 and 4.1 out of 5). Attitudinal beliefs were most predictive of respondents’ intentions to receive training or perform CPR (Adjusted OR; 95%CI were 1.81; 1.41–2.32 and 1.63; 1.26–2.04 respectively). Respondents who believed CPR could save a life, were employed, and had seen CPR advertised had the highest intention to receive CPR training. Those who believed CPR should be initiated before EMS arrival, were proactive in a group, and felt confident in their CPR skills had the highest intention to perform CPR.

Interpretation

Attitudinal beliefs were most predictive of respondents’ intention to complete CPR training or perform CPR on a real victim. Behavioral change techniques targeting these specific beliefs are most likely to make an impact.     

Active compression-decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) versus standard CPR for cardiac arrest patients: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND:

Active compression-decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ACDCPR) has been popular in the treatment of patients with cardiac arrest (CA). However, the effect of ACD-CPR versus conventional standard CPR (S-CRP) is contriversial. This study was to analyze the efficacy and safety of ACD-CPR versus S-CRP in treating CA patients.

METHODS:

Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials published from January 1990 to March 2011 were searched with the phrase “active compression-decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation and cardiac arrest” in PubMed, EmBASE, and China Biomedical Document Databases. The Cochrane Library was searched for papers of meta-analysis. Restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) rate, survival rate to hospital admission, survival rate at 24 hours, and survival rate to hospital discharge were considered primary outcomes, and complications after CPR were viewed as secondary outcomes. Included studies were critically appraised and estimates of effects were calculated according to the model of fixed or random effects. Inconsistency across the studies was evaluated using the I2 statistic method. Sensitivity analysis was made to determine statistical heterogeneity.

RESULTS:

Thirteen studies met the criteria for this meta-analysis. The studies included 396 adult CA patients treated by ACD-CPR and 391 patients by S-CRP. Totally 234 CA patients were found out hospitals, while the other 333 CA patients were in hospitals. Two studies were evaluated with high-quality methodology and the rest 11 studies were of poor quality. ROSC rate, survival rate at 24 hours and survival rate to hospital discharge with favorable neurological function indicated that ACD-CPR is superior to S-CRP, with relative risk (RR) values of 1.39 (95% CI 0.99–1.97), 1.94 (95% CI 1.45–2.59) and 2.80 (95% CI 1.60–5.24). No significant differences were found in survival rate to hospital admission and survival rate to hospital discharge for ACD-CPR versus S-CRP with RR values of 1.06 (95% CI 0.76–1.60) and 1.00 (95% CI 0.73–1.38).

CONCLUSION:

Quality controlled studies confirmed the superiority of ACD-CPR to S-CRP in terms of ROSC rate and survival rate at 24 hours. Compared with S-CRP, ACD-CPR could not improve survival rate to hospital admission or survival rate to hospital discharge.KEY WORDS: Active compression-decompression, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Cardiac arrest, Meta-analysis     

Out-of-hospital extra-corporeal life support implantation during refractory cardiac arrest in a half-marathon runner

For patients who present with an out-of-hospital refractory cardiac arrest, in-hospital extracorporeal life-support (ECLS) initiation represents an alternative therapy which allows significant survival. We describe here the first case of out-of-hospital ECLS implantation in a patient presenting with a refractory cardiac arrest during a road race. ECLS was initiated within the MICU ambulance 60 min after cardiac arrest and enabled restoration of cardiac output to 4.5 l min⁻¹. Coronarography revealed a severe isolated stenosis of the right coronary artery, which was treated by angioplasty. The cardiogenic shock resolved progressively, enabling ECLS weaning within 48 h, while renal, hepatic, and respiratory functions recovered simultaneously.     

Assessment of a three-phase model of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in patients with ventricular fibrillation

AIM: Cardiac arrest with ventricular fibrillation (VF) has been divided into three phases in which phase-specific therapy may improve outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between call-to-shock time, bystander CPR (BCPR), and cardiac arrest outcomes. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis of prospectively-acquired data from witnessed VF out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA), patients were classified as phases 1, 2, or 3 based on call-to-shock time (<5, 5-8, and >8 min) and further stratified based on performance of BCPR. Groups were compared with regard to survival, neurological outcome, and restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) with defibrillation only (no ALS interventions to achieve sustained ROSC). RESULTS: Survival, neurologically intact survival, and ROSC with defibrillation were different between phases 1 and 2 (p=0.014 and p=0.005, p<0.01) but not between phases 2 and 3. Patients were further classified as having received BCPR (N=111) or no BCPR (N=107). Neurologically intact survival with and without BCPR, respectively, was 61% versus 72% (phase 1), 44% versus 41% (phase 2), and 42% versus 29% (phase 3). ROSC with defibrillation only with and without BCPR, respectively, was 64% versus 56% (phase 1), 37.0% versus 29% (phase 2), and 33% versus 8% (phase 3). ROSC with defibrillation alone was statistically higher in univariate analysis in phase 3 with BCPR (p=0.033) but not in multivariate analysis (p=0.068). CONCLUSIONS: BCPR did not significantly improve survival in any phase of OHCA, though there was a trend toward increased neurologically intact survival and increased ROSC with defibrillation alone in phase 3.     

CPR before defibrillation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a randomized trial

Objective: Current resuscitation guidelines recommend that defibrillation be undertaken as soon as possible in patients suffering a cardiac arrest where the cardiac rhythm is either ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT). Evidence from animal and clinical studies suggests that outcomes may be improved if a period of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is given prior to defibrillation. The objective of this study was to determine if 90 seconds of CPR before defibrillation improved survival. Methods: Patients suffering non‐paramedic witnessed VF/VT cardiac arrest were randomized to receive either 90 seconds of CPR before defibrillation (treatment) or immediate defibrillation (control). The study was carried out in Perth, Western Australia between June 2000 and June 2002. The primary endpoint was survival to hospital discharge with secondary endpoints of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival at 1 year. Results: A total of 256 patients underwent randomization. Baseline characteristics including response intervals were similar in both groups. Survival to hospital discharge in the CPR first group was 4.2% (5/119) compared with 5.1% (7/137) for the immediate defibrillation group (OR 0.81; 95%CI. 0.25–2.64). No difference in those achieving ROSC was observed between the groups (OR 1.16; 95% CI 0.49–2.80). Conclusion: Ninety seconds of CPR before defibrillation does not improve overall survival in patients suffering VF/VT cardiac arrests. Further studies to evaluate various aspects of this treatment strategy are required as published outcomes to date are inconclusive.     

院前心脏停搏与院内心脏停搏复苏存活率的比较

目的：分析我院急诊中心心脏停搏患者心肺复苏（CPR）存活率及其影响因素,并比较院前发生心脏停搏与院内发生心脏停搏复苏存活率。方法：对我院急诊中心78例心搏骤停（cardiacarrest,CA）患者的资料进行回顾性分析,比较院前发生心搏骤停组和院内发生心搏骤停组的CPR开始时间（从心脏停搏至CPR开始时间）、气管插管时间、CPR持续时间、开始除颤时间、除颤次数、肾上腺素用量及存活率。结果：院前组复苏存活率2．86％,院内组复苏存活率11．62％。两组CPR开始时间、气管插管时间、存活率比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）,CPR持续时间、除颤次数及肾上腺素用量比较差异无统计学意义。结论：院前心脏停搏较院内心脏停搏复苏存活率低,与“生命链”未彻底落实及急救水平低有关。普及全民急救知识,加强完善急救医疗体系建设,早期除颤及早期亚低温治疗,是提高CPR成功率及复苏存活率的重要措施。     

新型大鼠心跳骤停和复苏的机械装置

目的研发由电磁阀系统总控制、压缩气体驱动的新型大鼠电刺激诱发心跳骤停和复苏的机械装置,并探讨其有效性和安全性。方法选用Sprague-Dawley雄性大鼠20只,应用自主开发研制的心跳骤停和复苏机械装置,持续交流电经右心室内膜致颤。在6min心室颤动后,开始给予6min的机械胸外按压和同步机械通气,随后双向波经胸体外除颤。结果15只大鼠复苏成功,自主循环恢复率为75%。电刺激后所有大鼠立刻出现心室颤动,3min的电刺激停止后动物持续表现为室颤而没有自发转复心律现象。心肺复苏期间恢复自主循环组其冠状动脉灌注压恒定在24mmHg左右,显著高于未能恢复自主循环组。结论本新型大鼠心跳骤停和心肺复苏装置的有效性和安全性高,可最大限度减少实验的误差,具有一定的推广应用前景。     

围术期非心脏手术呼吸心搏骤停相关麻醉因素回顾性分析

目的回顾性分析聊城市人民医院近7年来,围术期24 h内发生心搏骤停患者的医学资料,为预防这一严重不良事件提供有益信息。方法通过我院手术麻醉电子系统,调阅不良事件上报系统,选取2013-07/2020-12期间在我院手术室接受非心脏手术围术期发生心搏骤停患者的医疗记录进行分析、归纳总结。结果共116152名患者接受非心脏手术麻醉,围术期发生心搏骤停33例(2.8/10000),21例复苏失败,死亡率1.8/10000。麻醉完全相关2例,麻醉部分相关12例,麻醉相关心搏骤停发生率1.2/10000。与麻醉不相关心搏骤停患者基本资料比较,差异无统计学意义。结论围术期心搏骤停原因复杂多样,失血性休克以及感染性休克,是围术期心搏骤停最常见的原因,麻醉医生应熟知各种不同类型心搏骤停病理生理机制,以便实施快速有效的抢救措施。     

CPR variability during ground ambulance transport of patients in cardiac arrest

Aim of study

High-quality CPR is associated with improved outcomes from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The purpose of this investigation was to compare the quality of CPR provided at the prehospital scene, during ambulance transport, and during the early minutes in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

A prospective observational review of consecutive adult patients with non-traumatic OHCA was conducted between September 2008 and February 2010. Patients with initiation of prehospital CPR were included as part of a statewide cardiac resuscitation quality improvement program. A monitor-defibrillator with accelerometer-based CPR measurement capability (E-series, ZOLL Medical) was utilized. CPR quality measures included variability in chest compression (CC) depth and rate, mean depth and rate, and the CC fraction. Variability of CC was defined as the mean of minute-to-minute standard deviation in CC depth or rate. CC fraction was defined as the percent of time that CPR was being performed when appropriate throughout resuscitation.

Results

Fifty-seven adult patients with OHCA had electronic CPR data recorded at the scene, in the ambulance, and upon arrival in the ED. Across time periods, there was increased variability in CC depth (scene: 0.20 in.; transport: 0.26 in.; ED: 0.31 in., P < 0.01) and rate (scene: 18.2 CC min⁻¹; transport: 26.1 CC min⁻¹; ED: 26.3 CC min⁻¹, P < 0.01). The mean CC depth, rate, and the CC fraction did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions

There was increased CC variability from the prehospital scene to the ED though there was no difference in mean CC depth, rate, or in CC fraction. The clinical significance of CC variability remains to be determined.     

Protective athletic equipment slows initiation of CPR in simulated cardiac arrest

Objective

Standard protective athletic equipment used in collision sports such as American football poses a unique challenge to rescuers because they block access to both the airway and chest. The main objective of this investigation was to determine the effect of athletic equipment on the initiation of CPR. The feasibility of performing compressions over the chest protector as a potential time-saving step was also evaluated.

Methods

Thirty-four certified athletic trainers performed CPR on a manikin wearing protective equipment during a simulated episode of cardiac arrest. For one trial the protective equipment was removed or unfastened prior to initiating CPR, and for another, chest compressions were initiated over the protective equipment. The following were recorded for comparison purposes: time until first breath and first compression; percentage of compressions delivered to the recommended depth; compression rate; accuracy of hand placement; percentage of compressions without full chest recoil.

Results

Although chest compressions began sooner when compressions were delivered over the chest protector, this improvement was not statistically significant. A more notable positive outcome resulting from keeping the chest protector on was an increase in the number of compressions that were delivered to the recommended depth. Unfortunately, one of the significant negative outcomes of performing chest compression over the chest pad was the increased percentage of compressions that did not obtain full chest recoil.

Conclusions

Although removal of the chest protector delays the initiation of chest compressions, keeping the chest protector on during CPR does not appear to be a feasible option.     

255例院前心搏骤停患者心肺复苏影响因素分析

目的了解6年来心肺复苏(CPR)现状,分析其影响因素,研究如何提高CPR水平。方法对本院2001-01～2007-01院前发生的255例心搏骤停(cardiacarrest,CA)患者的资料进行分析,比较自主循环恢复(ROSC)成功组和失败组的CPR开始时间、CPR持续时间、除颤次数、肾上腺素用量等。结果全部病例ROSC成功率为38.03%,脑复苏成功率仅为2.74%。两组CPR开始时间(从心脏停搏至CPR开始时间)、人工气道开始建立时间、是否安装临时起搏器、肾上腺素用量比较差异有统计学意义(P≤0.01),在CPR持续时间、除颤次数方面比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。CPR成功率与CPR开始时间和急救水平高低有密切关系。结论CA患者CPR成功率较低,与"生命链"未彻底落实及急救水平低有关。普及全民急救知识,加强完善急救医疗体系建设,是提高CPR成功率的关键措施。     

In-hospital cardiac arrest: incidence,prognosis and possible measures to improve survival

Design Review. Objective Medical literature on in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) was reviewed to summarise: (a) the incidence of and survival after IHCA, (b) major prognostic factors, (c) possible interventions to improve survival. Results and conclusions The incidence of IHCA is rarely reported in the literature. Values range between 1 and 5 events per 1,000 hospital admissions, or 0.175 events/bed annually. Reported survival to hospital discharge varies from 0% to 42%, the most common range being between 15% and 20%. Pre-arrest prognostic factors: the prognostic value of age is controversial. Among comorbidities, sepsis, cancer, renal failure and homebound lifestyle are significantly associated with poor survival. However, pre-arrest morbidity scores have not yet been prospectively validated as instruments to predict failure to survive after IHCA. Intra-arrest factors: ventricular fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia (VF/VT) as the first recorded rhythm and a shorter interval between IHCA and cardiopulmonary resuscitation or defibrillation are associated with higher survival. However, VF/VT is present in only 25–35% of IHCAs. Short-term survival is also higher in patients resuscitated with chest compression rates above 80/min. Interventions likely to improve survival include: early recognition and stabilisation of patients at risk of IHCA to enable prevention, faster and better in-hospital resuscitation and early defibrillation. Mild therapeutic hypothermia is effective as post-arrest treatment of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to VF/VT, but its benefit after IHCA and after cardiac arrest with non-VF/VT rhythms has not been clearly demonstrated.