Laienreanimation im bundesdeutschen Rettungssystem

To bridge the time gap without therapeutic intervention until the EMS team arrives, lay rescuers should be trained in performing adequate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). About 2 million people attend CPR courses each year in Germany. However, it has been observed that the skills acquired by the attendees already begin to deteriorate shortly thereafter. As an alternative, efforts are currently underway to assess telephone-guided resuscitation performed by bystanders on site following instruction received via telephone. Use of automated external defibrillators by helpers first on the scene is considered to be another option. Initial experience has shown, however, that little use is made of the equipment located at heavily frequented areas (airports, railroad stations, etc.). At these locations it seems to make more sense to train the first responders (police force, fire department). Further measures need to be implemented to improve the actual assistance rendered in terms of quality and quantity.