Bystander CPR Rates Research Articles

The reality of rurality: Understanding the impact of remoteness on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Western Australia - A retrospective cohort study.

Western Australia (WA) spans a large, sparsely-populated area of Australia, presenting a challenge for the provision of Emergency Medical Service (EMS), particularly for time-critical emergencies such as out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). To assess the impact of rurality on the epidemiology, incidence and survival of OHCA in WA. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of EMS-attended OHCA in WA from 2015 to 2022. Incidence was calculated on all OHCAs, but the study cohort for the multivariable regression analysis of rurality on survival outcomes consisted of OHCAs of medical aetiology with EMS resuscitation attempted. Rurality was categorised into four categories, derived from the Australian Standard Geographic Classification - Remoteness Areas. The age-standardised incidence of EMS-attended OHCA per 100 000 population increased with increasing remoteness: Major Cities = 104.9, Inner Regional = 123.3, Outer Regional = 138.0 and Remote = 103.9. Compared to Major Cities, the adjusted odds for return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) at hospital were lower in Inner Regional (aOR = 0.71, 95%CI 0.53-0.95), Outer Regional (aOR = 0.62, 95%CI 0.45-0.86) and Remote areas (aOR = 0.52, 95%CI 0.35-0.77) but there was no statistically significant difference for 30-day survival. Relative to Major Cities, Regional and Remote areas had longer response times, shorter transport-to-hospital times, and higher rates of bystander CPR and automated external defibrillator use. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in rural areas had lower odds of ROSC at hospital compared to metropolitan areas, despite adjustment for known prognostic covariates. Despite WA's highly sparse regional population, these differences in ROSC are consistent with those reported in other international studies.

RAndomized Cluster Evaluation of Cardiac ARrest Systems (RACE-CARS) trial: Study rationale and design

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) occurs in nearly 350,000 people each year in the United States (US). Despite advances in pre- and in-hospital care, OHCA survival remains low and is highly variable across systems and regions. The critical barrier to improving cardiac arrest outcomes is not a lack of knowledge about effective interventions, but rather the widespread lack of systems of care to deliver interventions known to be successful. The RAndomized Cluster Evaluation of Cardiac ARrest Systems (RACE-CARS) trial is a 7-year pragmatic, cluster-randomized trial of 60 counties (57 clusters) in North Carolina using an established registry and is testing whether implementation of a customized set of strategically targeted community-based interventions improves survival to hospital discharge with good neurologic function in OHCA relative to control/standard care. The multi-faceted intervention comprises rapid cardiac arrest recognition and systematic bystander CPR instructions by 9-1-1 telecommunicators, comprehensive community CPR training and enhanced early automated external defibrillator (AED) use prior to emergency medical systems (EMS) arrival. Approximately 20,000 patients are expected to be enrolled in the RACE CARS Trial over 4 years of the assessment period. The primary endpoint is survival to hospital discharge with good neurologic outcome defined as a cerebral performance category (CPC) of 1 or 2. Secondary outcomes include the rate of bystander CPR, defibrillation prior to arrival of EMS, and quality of life. We aim to identify successful community- and systems-based strategies to improve outcomes of OHCA using a cluster randomized-controlled trial design that aims to provide a high level of evidence for future application.

Barriers to dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation in Thailand

Background: Dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DA-CPR) has proven effective in boosting bystander CPR rates in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA). Recently, Thailand has implemented a DA-CPR program. Our objective was to delineate the obstacles to initiating chest compressions by callers. Methods: We reviewed dispatch recordings of OHCA cases received by the ambulance call center from July 2012 to March 2015. Excluding audio recordings of subpar quality, trained evaluators documented the successive stages of the dispatcher's CPR recognition, delivery of CPR instructions, and the caller's execution of CPR. The time required to achieve these milestones was recorded, while barriers hindering chest compressions were identified. Results: Throughout the study period, researchers identified 280 cases of OHCA. Among these cases, it was observed that 134 bystanders declined to administer CPR. Reasons for refusal varied: 25.4% cited difficulty in controlling their emotions, 21.65% encountered challenges accessing the scene, 20.9% refused to perform CPR, 14.9% dropped out of the call, 9.7% did not approach the emergency patient, 5.9% were unable to perform CPR due to physical limitations, and 2.9% faced difficulty moving the emergency patient to the ground floor. Conclusions: Barriers were present in 47.85% correlating with a reduced proportion of CPR initiation and longer delays in CPR initiation.

Resuscitation Update - What's New?

Perfect, uninterrupted basic life support (BLS) is the key for successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Time plays an important role in the treatment of OHCA. This applies both to the time until the start of BLS and the reduction of all pauses during resuscitation, especially chest compressions. In 2022, the rate of bystander-CPR showed an absolute increase of 4% compared to previous years. The bystander-CPR rate is currently above 50%. Compared to OHCA in adults, cardiac arrest in children is rare in Germany. In the period from 2007 to 2021, the incidence was 3.08 per 100000 children. In addition, the etiology in children varies depending on the age group. While hypoxia is often the cause of circulatory arrest in younger children, trauma and drowning accidents are the main causes in school-age children. Different additional diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have been evaluated over the last years. Point-of-care ultrasound during resuscitation should only be performed by experienced users. Interrupting chest compressions and thus prolonging the no-flow phases must be avoided. Double sequential external defibrillation after the third shock can successfully terminate refractory ventricular fibrillation. While further studies are needed, emergency medical systems should train their teams to avoid complications. In refractory OHCA, extracorporeal CPR should be considered. In the case of in-hospital cannulation, immediate transport should be weighed against impaired chest compression quality. Therefore, transportation under CPR is only beneficial if there is an indication for further treatment.

Gender, Socioeconomic Status, Race, and Ethnic Disparities in Bystander Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Education-A Scoping Review.

Social determinants are associated with survival from out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Because prompt delivery of bystander CPR (B-CPR) doubles survival and B-CPR rates are low, we sought to assess whether gender, socioeconomic status (SES), race, and ethnicity are associated with lower rates of B-CPR and CPR training. This scoping review was conducted as part of the continuous evidence evaluation process for the 2020 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care as part of the Resuscitation Education Science section. We searched PubMed and excluded citations that were abstracts only, letters or editorials, and pediatric studies. We reviewed 762 manuscripts and identified 24 as relevant; 4 explored gender disparities; 12 explored SES; 11 explored race and ethnicity; and 3 had overlapping themes, all of which examined B-CPR or CPR training. Females were less likely to receive B-CPR than males in public locations. Observed gender disparities in B-CPR may be associated with individuals fearing accusations of inappropriate touching or injuring female victims. Studies demonstrated that low-SES neighborhoods were associated with lower rates of B-CPR and CPR training. In the US, predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods were associated with lower rates of B-CPR and CPR training. Language barriers were associated with lack of CPR training. Gender, SES, race, and ethnicity impact receiving B-CPR and obtaining CPR training. The impact of this is that these populations are less likely to receive B-CPR, which decreases their odds of surviving SCA. These health disparities must be addressed. Our work can inform future research, education, and public health initiatives to promote equity in B-CPR knowledge and provision. As an immediate next step, organizations that develop and deliver CPR curricula to potential bystanders should engage affected communities to determine how best to improve training and delivery of B-CPR.

Automated and app-based activation of first responders for prehospital cardiac arrest: an analysis of 16.500 activations of the KATRETTER system in Berlin

BackgroundBystander CPR is one of the main independent factors contributing to better survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Simultaneously, the rate of bystander CPR in Germany is below the European average. First responder applications (apps) contribute to reducing the time period without CPR (no-flow time) until professional help can arrive on-scene.MethodsThe KATRETTER app was introduced in Berlin as one of the first apps in Europe which do not require any medical qualifications to register as a first responder. The activation of volunteer first responders for suspected cardiac arrest cases through the Berlin Emergency Medical Services integrated control center was evaluated based on data collected between 16 Oct 2020 and 16 Oct 2022. Our descriptive analysis includes the number of registered first responders, number of activations, the number and percentages of accepted activations, as well as all reports where first responders arrived at the scene.ResultsAs of 15 Oct 2022, a total of 10,102 first responders were registered in the state of Berlin. During this specified period, there were 16.505 activations of the system for suspected out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. In 38.4% of the accepted cases, first responders documented patient contact, and in 34.6% of cases with patient contact, CPR was performed. Only 2% of registered first responders did not have any medical qualifications.ConclusionsSmartphone-based first responder applications should not be understood as a means of alerting professional help, but rather like a digitally amplified “call for help” in the vicinity of an emergency location. A large number of first responders can be recruited within 24 months, without large-scale public relations work necessary. No qualifications were required to become a first responder, contributing to a low-threshold registration process with the effect of a more widespread distribution of the app and cost reduction during implementation.

Exploring cardiac arrest in ‘at-home’ settings: Concepts derived from a qualitative interview study with layperson bystanders

BackgroundTwo thirds of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrests (OHCAs) occur at the patient’s home (‘at-home-CA’), where bystander CPR (B-CPR) rates are significantly lower than in public locations. Knowledge about the circumstances of this specific setting has mainly been limited to quantitative data. To develop a more conceptual understanding of the circumstances and dynamics of ‘at-home CA’, we conducted a qualitative interview study. MethodsTwenty-one semi-structured in-depth interviews were performed with laypersons who had witnessed ‘at-home CA’. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed by qualitative content analysis (QCA). A category system was developed to classify facilitating and impeding factors and to finally derive overarching concepts of ‘at-home CA’. ResultsQualitative Content Analysis yielded 1′347 relevant interview segments. Of these, 398 related to factors facilitating B-CPR, 328 to factors impeding, and 621 were classified neutral. Some of these factors were specific to ‘at-home CA’. The privacy context was found to be a particularly supportive factor, as it enhanced the commitment to act and facilitated the detection of symptoms. Impeding factors, aggravated in ‘at-home CA’ settings, included limited support from other bystanders, acute stress response and impaired situational judgement, as well as physical challenges when positioning the patient. We derived six overarching concepts defining the ‘at-home CA’ situation: (a) unexpectedness of the event, (b) acute stress response, (c) situational judgement, (d) awareness of the necessity to perform B-CPR, (e) initial position of the patient, (f) automaticity of actions. ConclusionIntegrating these concepts into dispatch protocols and layperson training may improve dispatcher-bystander interaction and the outcomes of ‘at-home CA’.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: An individual patient data meta-analysis

AimPrior studies have reported increased out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) incidence and lower survival during the COVID-19 pandemic. We evaluated how the COVID-19 pandemic affected OHCA incidence, bystander CPR rate and patients’ outcomes, accounting for regional COVID-19 incidence and OHCA characteristics. MethodsIndividual patient data meta-analysis of studies which provided a comparison of OHCA incidence during the first pandemic wave (COVID-period) with a reference period of the previous year(s) (pre-COVID period). We computed COVID-19 incidence per 100,000 inhabitants in each of 97 regions per each week and divided it into its quartiles. ResultsWe considered a total of 49,882 patients in 10 studies. OHCA incidence increased significantly compared to previous years in regions where weekly COVID-19 incidence was in the fourth quartile (>136/100,000/week), and patients in these regions had a lower odds of bystander CPR (OR 0.49, 95%CI 0.29–0.81, p = 0.005). Overall, the COVID-period was associated with an increase in medical etiology (89.2% vs 87.5%, p < 0.001) and OHCAs at home (74.7% vs 67.4%, p < 0.001), and a decrease in shockable initial rhythm (16.5% vs 20.3%, p < 0.001). The COVID-period was independently associated with pre-hospital death (OR 1.73, 95%CI 1.55–1.93, p < 0.001) and negatively associated with survival to hospital admission (OR 0.68, 95%CI 0.64–0.72, p < 0.001) and survival to discharge (OR 0.50, 95%CI 0.46–0.54, p < 0.001). ConclusionsDuring the first COVID-19 pandemic wave, there was higher OHCA incidence and lower bystander CPR rate in regions with a high-burden of COVID-19. COVID-19 was also associated with a change in patient characteristics and lower survival independently of COVID-19 incidence in the region where OHCA occurred.

Abstract 341: Regional Variation in Cardiac Arrest Response and Outcomes in North Carolina - A Call to Action

Background: In the United States, despite advances in cardiac arrest systems of care, out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) treatment and survival are highly variable. In North Carolina, intensive efforts to improve prehospital care are ongoing. We sought to investigate the variation in OHCA community response and outcomes in North Carolina (NC), and to assess underlying differences in system-, patient- and county-level characteristics in an effort to optimize regional cardiac arrest care. Methods: All adult (age &gt;18 years) OHCAs from 2016-2020 in 36 counties of North Carolina were included from the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival. We excluded cases that were EMS witnessed and that occurred in nursing homes. Response and outcome variation as well as county characteristics were described according to tertile of survival with good neurologic outcome (CPC 1/2). Results: Overall, 18,563 OHCAs occurred of which 22.4% had a shockable rhythm, 84.7% occurred at home and 50.7% were witnessed. Overall survival to hospital discharge with good neurologic outcome was 8.1%, with a state-wide variation among counties between 0% and 21.2% while Utstein survival was 26.1% overall, ranging between 0% and 47.8%. Bystander CPR rates were 41.8% (variation between 22.6% - 64.5%). First responder or bystander AED application was 42.9% of cases (variation between 8.6% - 66.6%) and 11.1% (variation between 2.7% and 19.7%) received defibrillation before EMS arrival. Counties within the highest tertile of survival were characterized by higher population density, lower unemployment rates and higher average household income. Such counties were further characterized by higher rates of bystander and first responder CPR and AED use prior to EMS arrival (Table 1). Conclusion: In NC, cardiac arrest response metrics and survival rates showed a dramatic regional variation, with particularly low survival in rural settings, calling for regional efforts to optimize cardiac arrest care.

Racial and ethnic disparities in the provision of bystander CPR after witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the United States

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between race/ethnicity and the odds of receiving bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (bCPR) after witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). MethodsFor this cross-sectional retrospective study, data were obtained from the National Emergency Medical Services Information System database for adults (≥18 years) with a witnessed non-traumatic OHCA in the year 2021. Patients were separated into two groups including Black/Hispanic and White. The primary outcome was the odds of receiving bCPR. We excluded traumatic etiology, do-not-resuscitate orders, and arrest in a healthcare facility or wilderness location. Multiple logistic regression controlling for known covariates was utilized and analyses were stratified by public versus non-public location, median household income, and rural, suburban, or urban setting. ResultsA total of 64,007 witnessed OHCAs were included. When compared to White, the Black/Hispanic group were younger (62 vs 67 years) and more often female (40% vs 33%), in neighborhoods with the lowest median household income (31% vs 13%) and in an urban setting (92% vs 80%). Overall, bystander CPR rates were 60% and 67% for the Black/Hispanic and White groups, respectively. Multiple logistic regression stratified by OHCA location found that the Black/Hispanic group had a decreased odds of receiving bCPR compared to the White group both in the home (adjusted OR [aOR] 0.77; 95% CI 0.74–0.81) and in public (aOR 0.69; 95% CI 0.64–0.76). This difference persisted throughout neighborhoods of different socioeconomic status and across the rural–urban spectrum. ConclusionsRacial/ethnic disparities exist for Black and Hispanic persons in the odds of receiving bCPR after a witnessed non-traumatic OHCA regardless of public or private setting, neighborhood income level, or population density.

Facilitating cardiopulmonary resuscitation training in high-risk areas of England: A study protocol

IntroductionBystanders’ interventions improve chances of survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) before Emergency Medical Services arrive. Some areas in England are of concern. These high-risk areas have a higher incidence of cardiac arrest combined with lower-than-average bystander CPR rates and are characterised by higher proportions of minority ethnic group residents and deprivation.Collaborating with people from the Black African and Caribbean and South Asian minority communities in deprived areas of England, we aim to develop and evaluate the implementation of theoretically informed intervention(s) to address factors contributing to lower bystander intervention rates. MethodsThe study is a collaborative realist enquiry, informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework and associated Behaviour Change Wheel. It consists of 1) a realist evidence synthesis to produce initial program theories developed from primary workshop data and published evidence. It will include identifying factors contributing to the issue and potential interventions to address them; 2) theoretically informed intervention development, using the initial program theories and behaviour change theory and 3) a realist mixed methods implementation evaluation with embedded feasibility.Public involvement (PPI) as study team and public advisory group members is key to this study.We will conduct realist evidence synthesis, qualitative and statistical analyses appropriate to the various methods used. DisseminationWe will develop a dissemination plan and materials targeted to members of the public in high-risk areas as well as academic outputs. We will hold an event for participating community groups and stakeholders to share findings and seek advice on next steps. Study registrationISRCTN90350842. Registration date 28.03.2023. The study was registered after its start date.

Does witness type affect the chance of receiving bystander CPR in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest?

ObjectivesThe relationship between the bystander witness type and receipt of bystander CPR (BCPR) is not well understood. Herein we compared BCPR administration between family and non-family witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). BackgroundIn many communities, interventions in the past decade have contributed to an increased receipt of BCPR, for example in Singapore from 15% to 60%. However, BCPR rates have plateaued despite sustained and ongoing community-based interventions, which may be related to gaps in education or training for various witness types. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between witness type and BCPR administration. MethodsSingapore data from 2010–2020 was extracted from the Pan-Asian Resuscitation Outcomes Study (PAROS) network registry (n = 25,024). All adult, layperson witnessed, non-traumatic OHCAs were included in this study. ResultsOf 10,016 eligible OHCA cases, 6,895 were family witnessed and 3,121 were non-family witnessed. After adjustment for potential confounders, BCPR administration was less likely for non-family witnessed OHCA (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.75, 0.93). After location stratification, non-family witnessed OHCAs were less likely to receive BCPR in residential settings (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.66, 0.85). In non-residential settings, there was no statistically significant association between witness type and BCPR administration (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.88, 1.39). Details regarding witness type and bystander CPR were limited. ConclusionThis study found differences in BCPR administration between family and non-family witnessed OHCA cases. Elucidation of witness characteristics may be useful to determine populations that would benefit most from CPR education and training.

Racial and ethnic disparities in the treatment and outcomes for witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Connecticut

BackgroundRacial and ethnic disparities in the treatment and outcomes for witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in the United States have been previously described. We sought to characterize disparities in pre-hospital care, overall survival, and survival with favorable neurological outcomes following witnessed OHCA in the state of Connecticut. MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study to compare pre-hospital treatment and outcomes for White versus Black and Hispanic (Minority) OHCA patients submitted from Connecticut to the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES) between 2013 and 2021. Primary outcomes included bystander CPR use, bystander automated external defibrillator (AED) use with attempted defibrillation, overall survival, and survival with favorable cerebral function. Results2,809 patients with witnessed OHCA were analyzed (924 Black or Hispanic; 1885 White). Minorities had lower rates of bystander CPR (31.4% vs 39.1%, P = 0.002) and bystander AED placement with attempted defibrillation (10.5% vs 14.4%, P = 0.004), with lower rates of survival to hospital discharge (10.3% vs 14.8%, P = 0.001) and survival with favorable cerebral function (65.3% vs 80.2%, P = 0.003). Minorities were less likely to receive bystander CPR in communities with median annual household income >$80, 000 (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.33–0.95; P = 0.030) and in integrated neighborhoods (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.52–0.95; P = 0.020). ConclusionsBlack and Hispanic Connecticut patients with witnessed OHCA have lower rates of bystander CPR, attempted AED defibrillation, overall survival, and survival with favorable neurological outcomes compared to White patients. Minorities were less likely to receive bystander CPR in affluent and integrated communities.

Development of the epidemiology and outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest using data from the German Resuscitation Register over a 15-year period (EpiCPR study)

BackgroundSudden cardiac arrest is a relevant problem with a significant number of deaths in Europe. AimUsing data from the German Resuscitation Register (GRR), we examined changes in epidemiology and therapeutic interventions over a 15-year period in order to identify key factors contributing to favourable outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. MethodsGRR data were analysed in 5-year periods (2006–2010 vs 2011–2015 vs 2016–2020) representing changes in the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) guidelines. Group comparison of OHCA patients was made for epidemiological and resuscitation-associated factors. Endpoints included 30-day survival and hospital discharge with a good neurological outcome (CPC 1,2). Matched-pair analysis compared outcomes, and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis identified variables with effects on survival. ResultsA total of 42,997 GRR patients were studied (2006–2010: n = 3,471, 2011–2015: n = 16,122, 2016–2020: n = 23,404). Proportion of patients over 80 years, use of intraosseous (IO) access and supraglottic airway devices, rate of bystander CPR, and the proportion of telephone CPR increased over the study period. The 30-day survival, and hospital discharge rates with CPC1/2 were unchanged. After adjusting cohorts using matched pairs, a higher CPC1,2 rate was observed (8.8 vs 10.2%, p < 0.03). Logistic regression analysis showed that IO and SAD had an unfavourable impact on outcome. ConclusionDespite a significant increase in bystander and telephone CPR rates, no improvement in 30-day survival and hospital discharge rate with CPC1,2 was observed. Initial rhythm (VF/VT), cardiac and hypoxic cause of CA, bystander CPR and IV access were identified as factors associated with a favourable neurological outcome.

Abstract 12: Identifying Emergency Medical Service Agencies In Black And Hispanic Communities With High Cardiac Arrest Survival Rates

Background: Black and Hispanic individuals have lower survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Whether there are Emergency Medical Service (EMS) agencies in Black and Hispanic communities with high survival rates for OHCA is unknown but critical to identifying strategies to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in OHCA survival. Methods: Within the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival, we identified adults with non-traumatic OHCA during 2015-2019. EMS agencies were categorized as working in Black/Hispanic communities if &gt;50% of residents in their catchment area were Black or Hispanic. Using hierarchical logistic regression, we calculated risk-standardized survival rates (RSSR) to hospital admission for OHCA in each EMS agency, adjusted for patients’ age, sex, witnessed arrest status, presumed arrest etiology, initial cardiac arrest rhythm, and arrest location. We then examined the distribution of EMS agencies that work in Black/Hispanic communities across quartiles of OHCA survival. Results: Among 764 EMS agencies (258,342 OHCAs), the median RSSR was 27.4% with an absolute difference of &gt;10% across quartiles (median 22.4% in the lowest vs. 32.9% in the highest quartile; 191 EMS agencies in each quartile). There were 82 EMS agencies working in Black/Hispanic communities overall, with 26 (31.7%) in the lowest RSSR quartile and 15 (18.3%) in the highest. After further adjustment for agency-level rates of bystander CPR, EMS response time and termination of resuscitation practices, there remained 29 (35.4%) EMS agencies in the lowest RSSR quartile and 16 (19.5%) in the highest. Conclusion: EMS agencies working in Black and Hispanic communities have lower prehospital survival for OHCA, although high-performing agencies exist. Identifying best practices at EMS agencies with the highest prehospital survival rates, particularly among agencies serving Black and Hispanic communities, has the potential to improve overall OHCA survival and reduce existing survival disparities.

84 Bystander CPR Rates for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Higher in Rural Areas Versus Urban Areas

Survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) remains lower in rural areas compared to urban and suburban area. Limited access to health care resources and longer EMS response times suggests that rural OHCA survival may rely more on bystander intervention than in more populated areas. This study compares the rates of bystander CPR in cases of OHCA between rural and urban areas and examines social factors associated with bystander CPR.

Acceptability of telephone-cardiopulmonary resuscitation (T-CPR) practice in a resource-limited country- a cross-sectional study

BackgroundT-CPR has been shown to increase bystander CPR rates dramatically and is associated with improved patient survival.ObjectiveTo evaluate the acceptability of T-CPR by the bystanders and identify baseline quality measures of T-CPR in Karachi, Pakistan.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2018 at the Aman foundation command and control center. Data was collected from audiotaped phone calls of patients who required assistance from the Aman ambulance and on whom the EMS telecommunicator recognized the need for CPR and provided instructions. Information was recorded using a structured questionnaire on demographics, the status of the patient, and different time variables involved in CPR performance. A One-way ANOVA was used to compare different time variables with recommended AHA guidelines. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsThere were 481 audiotaped calls in which CPR instruction was given, listened to, and recorded data. Out of which in 459(95.4%) of cases CPR was attempted Majority of the patients were males (n = 278; 57.8%) and most had witnessed cardiac arrest (n = 470; 97.7%) at home (n = 430; 89.3%). The mean time to recognize the need for CPR by an EMS telecommunicator was 4:59 ± 1:59(min), while the mean time to start CPR instruction by a bystander was 5:28 ± 2:24(min). The mean time to start chest compression was 6:04 ± 1:52(min.).ConclusionOur results show the high acceptability of T-CPR by bystanders. We also found considerable delays in recognizing cardiac arrest and initiation of CPR by telecommunicators. Further training of telecommunicators could reduce these delays.

Health inequities in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a time-critical emergency in which a rapid response following the chain of survival is crucial to save life. Disparities in care can occur at each link in this pathway and hence produce health inequities. This review summarises the health inequities that exist for OHCA patients and suggests how they may be addressed. There is international evidence that the incidence of OHCA is increased with increasing deprivation and in ethnic minorities. These groups have lower rates of bystander CPR and bystander-initiated defibrillation, which may be due to barriers in accessing cardiopulmonary resuscitation training, provision of public access defibrillators, and language barriers with emergency call handlers. There are also disparities in the ambulance response and in-hospital care following resuscitation. These disadvantaged communities have poorer survival following OHCA. OHCA disproportionately affects deprived communities and ethnic minorities. These groups experience disparities in care throughout the chain of survival and this appears to translate into poorer outcomes. Addressing these inequities will require coordinated action that engages with disadvantaged communities.

Globally, GDP Per Capita Correlates Strongly with Rates of Bystander CPR.

Introduction:Bystander CPR is vital in improving outcomes for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. There has been ample literature describing disparities in bystander CPR within specific countries, such as the United States, Australia, and the Netherlands. However, there has not been significant literature describing such disparities between countries.Methods:We examined various studies published between 2000 and 2021 that reported rates of bystander CPR in various countries. These bystander CPR rates were correlated with the GDP per capita of that country during the time the study was conducted. The correlation between GDP per capita and rates of bystander CPR was assessed.Results:A total of 29 studies in 35 communities across 25 countries were examined. Reported rates of bystander CPR ranged from 1.3% to 72%. From this, a strong and significant correlation between GDP per capita and rates of bystander CPR was apparent; 0.772 (p < .01), r2 = 0.596.Conclusions:GDP per capita can be thought of as a composite endpoint that takes into account various aspects of a country’s social and economic well-being. Socioeconomically-advantaged communities likely have a better ability to provide CPR education to community members, and our findings mirror localized analyses comparing socioeconomic status and rates of bystander CPR. Future studies should continue to elucidate transnational disparities in cardiac arrest, and efforts should be directed at providing CPR education to communities with low rates of bystander CPR; low-and-middle-income countries may represent attractive targets for such interventions. However, it may be possible that rates of bystander CPR may not improve unless significant upstream improvements to socioeconomic factors take place.

Impact of post-arrest care variation on hospital performance after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

BackgroundLarge variation exists for out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrest (OHCA) prehospital care, but less is known about variations in post-arrest care. We sought to evaluate variation in post-arrest care in Texas as well as factors associated with higher performing hospitals. MethodsWe analyzed data in Texas Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (TX-CARES), including all adult, non-traumatic OHCAs from 1/1/2014 through 12/31/ 2020 that survived to hospital admission. We first evaluated variability in provisions of post-arrest care and outcomes. We then stratified hospitals into quartiles based on their rate of survival and evaluated the association between improving quartiles and care. Lastly, we evaluated for outliers in post-arrest care and outcomes using a mixed-effect regression model. ResultsWe analyzed 7,842 OHCAs admitted to 146 hospitals. We identified large variations in post-arrest care, including targeted temperature management (TTM) (IQR 7.0–51.1%), left heart catheterization (LHC) (IQ 0–25%), and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (IQR 0–10.3%). Higher performing hospital quartiles were associated with higher rates of TTM (aOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.36–1.49), LHC (aOR 2.07, 95% CI 1.92–2.23), and PCI (aOR 2.02, 95% CI 1.81–2.25); but lower rates of bystander CPR (aOR 0.90, 95% CI 0.87–0.94). We identified numerous performance outlier hospitals; 39 for TTM, 34 for PCI, 9 for survival to discharge, and 24 for survival with good neurologic function. ConclusionsPost-arrest care varied widely across Texas hospitals. Hospitals with higher rates of survival to discharge had increased rates of TTM, LHC, and PCI but not bystander CPR.