Pediatric out of hospital cardiac arrest

Abstract

Background: Cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death globally. Aim & Objectives: This study aims to investigate and identify the characteristics of pediatric out of hospital cardiac arrest (POHCA) patients who were attended to and treated by National Ambulance. It is important to understand the characteristics of the patients to improve the implementation of chain of survival and to increase the survival rate. Materials & Methods: This is a 2-year prospective, descriptive, cohort study of POHCA group between January 2018 and December 2019. Data for this study were collected using a structured electronic questionnaire for all out of hospital cardiac arrest patients under 18 years old. Results: A total of 73 POHCA cases were attended by National Ambulance during this 1-year study with a higher percentage being that of infants (59%). In this group, it was found that the percentage of male pediatrics (68%) is higher than females. More than half the total cases (53%) were witnessed by bystanders, 27.3% received bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and 1% had automated external defibrillator applied on them prior to ambulance arrival. In this population, more than half of cardiac arrest cases occurred in their places of residence (53%). Non-traumatic cardiac arrest was the highest in this group (62%) while traumatic cardiac arrest was found at 22% and drawing cases were 14% of cardiac arrest in this group of patients. The highest percentage of the cardiac arrest patients had nonshockable rhythms (93%). Return of spontaneous circulation at the scene was 4.1%, and all of the cardiac arrests were witnessed and had bystander CPR. Conclusion: This 2-year study emphasised the importance of understanding the characteristics of POHCA. Inculcate a sense of community engagement in public through implementing Good Samaritan Law in UAE. Development and implementation of first aid training for both parents and caregivers were suggested to ensure proper implementation of chain of survival in UAE. Developing legislations for caregivers or babysitters who is taking care of child to receive first aid training and accredited CPR license as a precondition to work as a caregiver or a babysitter. Further linkage between pre-hospital and hospitals data is essential to conduct proper researches to improve chain of survival and reduce pediatric out of hospital cardiac arrest morbidity and mortality.