Early Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Research Articles

The Rate of Success of CPR in Patients Suffering from Cardiac Arrest in Patients Admitted in CCU in Cardiology Department Ayub Medical Teaching Institute

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an essential procedure used to treat patients who are in cardiac arrest, particularly in the Critical Care Unit (CCU). Objective: To assess the success rate of CPR admitted to the CCU, revealing insight on the effectiveness of current resuscitation techniques. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Department of Cardiology Ayub Medical Teaching Institute, Abbottabad, between 13th April 2023 to 30th November 2023, 110 patients had cardiac arrest while in the intensive care unit. Data were gathered and examined on patient demographics, pre-existing comorbidities, time to start CPR, duration of CPR, and results. CPR success was defined as a sustained restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) for at least 20 minutes. Results: This study included 110 cardiac patients. Most patients (68.18%) were male. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity at 72.7%. CPR started on average 4.8 minutes late, with a 1.2-minute standard deviation. The average CPR time was 18.2 minutes, with a 5.6-minute SD. After cardiac arrest, 60 (54.5%) patients began CPR within 5 minutes. Another subgroup found 96.0% CPR success in 25 (22.7%) ventricular fibrillation patients. Then occurred ventricular tachycardia (80.0%), pulseless electrical activity (76.0%), and asystole (68.9%). These data suggest that CPR works better in ventricular fibrillation patients. Conclusions: This research sheds light on cardiac arrest CCU patients' demographics, care, and outcomes. The data show that early CPR and ventricular fibrillation detection and treatment improve outcomes for these individuals.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: knowledge among nurses in selected departments of a teaching hospital, Nepal

Introduction: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is considered a core emergency skill in which all health care professionals must be proficient. If early basic life support CPR is instantiated, the survival rate is improved. This study aims to assess the knowledge regarding CPR among nurses. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted among 150 nurses in critical care area of Patan Hospital Lalitpur Nepal, from January to April 2023. Researcher developed self-administered structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used for statistical analysis. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee of Patan Academy of Health Sciences. Result: Study revealed that majority 143(95.3%) of the respondents had knowledge regarding meaning of sudden cardiac death. Same as 137(91.3%) knew the indication of CPR and most of the respondents 140(93.3%) knew the carotid pulse should be checked before starting CPR. More than half 131(87.3%) had knowledge regarding ratio of chest compression. We found more than half respondents 83(55.3%) knew the best time to switch. Nearly half of the respondents 61(40%) knew the component of high-quality CPR whereas minority of the respondents; 20(13.3%) knew the algorithm of adult cardiac arrest. Conclusion: Majority of the respondents had knowledge regarding meaning, indication, site of pulse taking, and ratio of chest compression. Whereas more than fifty percent respondents had knowledge regarding, best time to switch, nearly half of respondents knew the components of CPR. Minority of respondents aware the algorithm of adult cardiac arrest.

Enhancing Dispatch Systems for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Proposal for Improved Survival Outcomes

Early and effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is critical for survival and neurological recovery in cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). This commentary proposes a novel approach involving the use of a CPR instructional video tailored for laypersons. It also recommends a three-phase approach for the implementation of this strategy, including a trial period, agreements with telecom and dispatch system providers, and a public health campaign to raiseawareness and improve compliance with instructions. This proposal aims to enhance the dispatch process for OHCA, ultimately improving survival rates and neurological outcomes.

Impact of independent early stage extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the emergency department following the establishment of an extracorporeal life support team

ObjectiveIn this paper, we present a comprehensive overview of our experience in establishing and leading distinct extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR)-related teams to independently handle ECPR in the early stages in the emergency department. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 29 patients who underwent ECPR treatment in the emergency room between May 2018 and April 2022. A control group, consisting of 10 patients treated between May 2018 and September 2019 was managed using a standard rescue coordination mode. The 19 patients who received ECPR between October 2019 and April 2022 were treated by members of the department's 24-h extracorporeal life support team. We compared the implementation and operational challenges faced by the two groups, including item preparation, circuit setup, and ECPR initiation times, among other factors. ResultsGender, age, cardiac arrest risk factors, and other baseline data did not significantly differ between the two groups. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) pipeline prefilling time (from 35.27±10.34 to 13.46±5.32), ECPR establishment time (from 62.35±29.61 to 30.98±13.41), and item preparation time (from 16.42±9.78 to 3.19±1.49) all considerably decreased when compared to the control group. The rate of return of spontaneous circulation recovery rose from 37.50 % to 77.78 % (P < 0.05). The consequences of gastrointestinal and pulmonary bleeding were greatly reduced while ECPR was being used, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Significant improvements were made in the ECPR weaning rate (from 25.00 % to 38.89 %) and survival rate (from 20.0 % to 36.8 %). ConclusionThe establishment of a 24-h extracorporeal life support team significantly reduced the time needed for rescue during the early stage of independent setup of ECPR in the emergency department and serves as a guide for effective care of critically ill patients.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes when law enforcement arrives before emergency medical services

BackgroundLaw enforcement (LE) professionals are often dispatched to out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) to provide early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) application with mixed evidence of a survival benefit. Our objective was to comprehensively evaluate LE care in OHCA. MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of adults with non-traumatic OHCA not witnessed by EMS and without bystander AED use from 2018-2021. Our primary outcome was survival with Cerebral Perfusion Category score ≤ 2 (functional survival). Our exposures included: LE On-scene Only (without providing care); LE CPR Only (without applying an AED); LE Ideal Care (ensuring CPR and AED application). Our control group had no LE arrival before EMS. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusting for confounders and stratified our analyses by patients with and without bystander CPR. ResultsThere were 2569 adult, non-traumatic OHCAs from 2018-2021 meeting inclusion criteria. There were no differences in the odds of functional survival for LE On-scene Only (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI]: 1.28 [0.47–3.45]), LE CPR Only (1.26 [0.80–1.99]), or LE Ideal Care (1.36 [0.79–2.33]). In patients without bystander CPR, LE Ideal Care had significantly higher odds of functional survival (2.01 [1.06–3.81]) compared to no LE on-scene, with no significant associations for LE On-scene Only or LE CPR Only. There were no significant differences by LE care in patients already receiving bystander CPR. ConclusionsLE arrival before EMS and ensuring both CPR and AED application is associated with significantly improved functional survival in OHCA patients not already receiving bystander CPR.

Extracorporeal CPR versus conventional CPR for refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials

Abstract Background Refractory out of hospital cardiac arrest carry poor outcomes. Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) help restore perfusion and oxygenation in a patient who does not have spontaneous circulation. Recently published randomized clinical trials (RCT) have conflicting evidence supporting use of early extracorporeal CPR and have small sample size. Purpose To compare Extracorporeal CPR versus conventional CPR in improving neurologically favorable survival. Methods We conducted an electronic database search of all published data for all RCT that compared Extracorporeal CPR versus conventional CPR for refractory out of hospital cardiac arrest and reported on neurologically favorable survival rates. Event rates were compared using a forest plot of odds ratios using a fixed-effects model assuming interstudy heterogeneity. Results Three RCT (n= 428; Extracorporeal CPR = 208, conventional CPR = 210) were included in the final analysis. Mean follow-up period 6 months. In our analysis, extracorporeal CPR compared with conventional CPR had favorable effect on survival with a favorable neurologic outcome (OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.08-2.71, P = 0.02, I2= 28). Conclusions In patients with refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, extracorporeal CPR compared with conventional CPR had favorable effect on survival with a favorable neurologic outcome

Improving outcomes from paediatric cardiac arrest in low resource setting

Abstract Introduction Both out of (OHCA) and in hospital (IHCA) pediatric cardiac arrest has traditionally been considered a futile medical condition with dismal outcomes. This is further magnified by resuscitation protocols are typically articulated from the perspective of ideal resource environment without consideration of applicability in district hospitals or non-tertiary centres. Purpose To determine clinical outcomes from both paediatric OHCA and IHCA in low-resource setting and to identify shortcomings in relation to resuscitation in these areas, possible solutions and to suggest future research priorities. Methods This was a multicenter retrospective study in a middle sized city (estimated population 390000) served by a single Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system. All records of OHCA and IHCA under 16 years old were reviewed from the Cardiac Arrest Registry from 2017 to 2022. Data collected included demographic profiles, etiology of cardiac arrest, initial cardiac rhythm, time of initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and adrenaline administration by EMS team and duration of CPR. Outcomes of interest included return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival to hospital discharge (STHD). Results From the 5-year study period, 68 children (mean age of 5.8±1.2 yrs) were included in this study. 22 (32.4%) were infants (&amp;lt;1 year old) and 7 (10.3%) were neonates (&amp;lt;28 days old). Total mortality was observed at 63.2% (n=43). Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was achieved in 40 (58.8%) patients and 33.8% (n=23) survived to hospital discharge. OHCA was witnessed in 52 (83.8%) children from total OHCA and bystander CPR was delivered only in 19 (30.6%) cases. All IHCA were witnessed. Asystole was the most common (n=39) initial rhythm. A delay in initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and adrenaline administration was observed in 49 cases of OHCA and 1 in IHCA. The median time from emergency call to CPR and from CPR to first adrenaline administration was 20.9±1.2 min and 2.9±1.3 min for OHCA and 0.4±0.2 min and 1.5±0.7min for IHCA [Table 1]. Longer time to CPR and adrenaline administration was associated with lower chance of achieving ROSC and STHD. Using multivariate analyses, fewer adrenaline doses (p&amp;lt;0.05), witnessed cardiac arrest (p=0.001), initial rhythm of ventricular fibrillation (p&amp;lt;0.05) and shorter CPR duration (p=0.007) were good prognostic factors for ROSC and STHD. Conclusion Outcomes from OHCA and IHCA in low resource settings are poor. Unwitnessed arrest, delays in initiation of CPR and adrenaline administration were associated with poor survival. Recognition and identification of at-risk patients, early high-quality CPR and adrenaline administration are imperative to improve mortality. Early recognition and effective resuscitation protocols for children in the community and encouraging bystander CPR should be developed collaboratively with local experts and the EMS team.

Abstract 280: Effectiveness of Bag-Valve-Mask Ventilation During Out-of-Hospital Pediatric CPR

Background: Few studies have measured ventilation during early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before advanced airway placement. Resuscitation guidelines recommend pauses after every 15 or 30 chest compressions to deliver ventilations for children. The effectiveness of bag-valve-mask (BVM) ventilation delivered during the pause in chest compressions is unknown. Hypothesis: Lung inflation occurs infrequently with BVM ventilation during 30:2 (and 15:2) CPR. Aim: To determine the incidence of lung inflation with BVM ventilation during 15:2 or 30:2 CPR for pediatric OHCA. Methods: This is a retrospective, observational study of 63 OHCA patients, &lt;18 years of age, with non-traumatic cardiac arrest from the Dallas-Fort Worth Center for Resuscitation Research registry. Emergency medical service rescuers provided 30:2 or 15:2 CPR with BVM ventilation and ≥ 2 min of recorded CPR. We measured bioimpedance ventilation (lung inflation) waveforms in the pauses between chest compression segments recorded through defibrillation pads. A detectable ventilation waveform had a bioimpedance amplitude ≥0.5 Ohm and duration ≥1 sec. We measured the incidence of ventilation in two pre-specified groups: patients with ventilation waveforms in &lt;50% of pauses (Group 1) vs. those with waveforms in ≥50% of pauses (Group 2). Results: The mean duration of 30:2 or 15:2 CPR was 15(8) min prior to advanced airway placement. During this period, we identified 683 pauses in chest compressions, 386 measurable ventilations, and the median (IQR) number of ventilations was 2 (0-4). Of 20 advanced airway attempts, nine were successful.Group 1 (N=48) had a median 8 pauses and 1.5 ventilations/patient, Group 2 (N= 15) had a median 10 pauses and 12 ventilations/patient (Table). Return of spontaneous circulation for Group 1 (15%, 7/48) vs. Group 2 (33%, 5/15). Conclusion: This study shows that use of a BVM device results in infrequent lung inflation during 30:2 or 15:2 CPR in pediatric patients.

Early extracorporeal CPR for refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest – A pre-planned per-protocol analysis of the INCEPTION-trial

BackgroundEvidence for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains inconclusive. Recently, the INCEPTION-trial, comparing extracorporeal with conventional CPR, found no statistically significant difference in neurologically favorable survival. Since protocol deviations were anticipated, a pre-specified per-protocol analysis was foreseen. MethodsThe per-protocol analysis of the INCEPTION trial excluded patients not meeting inclusion or exclusion criteria, amongst which time-to-cannulation of >60 minutes, and achieving a return of spontaneous circulation before hospital arrival. Crossovers were excluded as well. The primary outcome (30-day survival in a neurologically favorable condition; cerebral performance category [CPC] 1–2) was primarily analyzed under a frequentist statistical framework. In addition, Bayesian analysis under a minimally informative prior was performed. ResultsEighty-one patients were included in the per-protocol analysis (extracorporeal CPR n = 33, conventional CPR n = 48). Thirty-day survival with CPC1-2 was 15% in the extracorporeal CPR group versus 9% in the conventional CPR group (adjusted OR 1.9; 95% CI 0.4–9.3; p-value 0.393). Bayesian analysis showed an 84% posterior probability of any ECPR benefit and a 61% posterior probability of a 5% absolute risk reduction for the primary outcome. ConclusionA pre-planned, pre-specified per-protocol analysis of the INCEPTION-trial, found a higher survival with favorable neurological in patients undergoing ECPR versus CCPR for refractory shockable OHCA. This difference did not reach statistical significance, but results should be interpreted with care, in the light of the small remaining sample size.

Prehospital resuscitation : Current status, results and strategies for improvement in Germany

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is one of the most frequent causes of death in Europe and is associated with adismal prognosis. The annual incidence in Germany is approximately 100-120 per 100,000 inhabitants (ca. 80,000-100,000 cases). With the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) about 40% of patients have areturn of spontaneous circulation (ROSC); however, after OHCA only 15% of patients survive for 30 days and less than 10% survive with no or only minor neurological deficits. Data from the German Resuscitation Register demonstrate that there was no change in the results over the last 15years, despite all medical innovations, higher rates of coronary interventions, higher use of mechanical support systems and improvement in intensive care treatment. Ahigh proportion of patients with OHCA have acardiac or coronary cause. As shown by the data from the German Cardiac Arrest Register (G-CAR) an early coronary angiography is often carried out after CPR in Germany; however, in randomized clinical studies an immediate coronary angiography in patients with non-ST segment elevation in the electrocardiogram (ECG) was not associated with an improvement in the prognosis. In large randomized studies the use of mechanical CPR systems and the implantation of mechanical circulatory support devices after OHCA also did not lead to a reduction in mortality. The most important impact factor for the success of CPR is the time interval between collapse and start of CPR, if possible also by bystander resuscitation. Therefore, the focus of efforts for improving CPR should be on increasing the rate of patients with early CPR. Experiences from Denmark and The Netherlands indicate that this can be successful by education and training of the general population, telephone resuscitation and apps for alerting lay persons.

238: Early versus late extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for in-hospital cardiac arrest (RAPID): a target-trial emulation of the ELSO registry.

238: Early versus late extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for in-hospital cardiac arrest (RAPID): a target-trial emulation of the ELSO registry.

Knowledge, attitude, and proficiency of healthcare providers in cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a public primary healthcare setting in Qatar.

Early and effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) increases both survival rate and post-cardiac arrest quality of life. This study aims to assess the current knowledge and ability of physicians and nurses in health centers (HCs) operated by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) in Doha, Qatar, to perform CPR. This study consists of two parts. The first part is a descriptive cross-sectional survey using an online form targeting physicians and nurses working in all HCs to assess their CPR knowledge and attitude. The second part is a direct observation of CPR drills to evaluate the skills and competencies of code blue team members in a convenient sample of 14 HCs. A multivariate model was employed to test the independent effect of explanatory variables on the total knowledge score. A total of 569 physicians and nurses responded to the survey. Only one-half (48.7%) formally received training on basic life support within the last year. Furthermore, 62.7% have tried to revive a dying person with no pulse. All the participants recognize the importance of knowing how to revive a dying adult or child as part of their job. The study showed that being a nurse was the most important predictor of a higher knowledge score in both components. Attending more resuscitation courses (3-6 courses in the last 3 years) ranked second in importance, and a longer experience in clinical practice (5-10 and >10 years) ranked third in predictive power. In addition, the direct observation of CPR drill performance revealed a satisfactory outcome. The level of CPR knowledge and skills practice among healthcare providers in PHCC is deemed satisfactory as most providers reported having performed CPR in the past. Considering that PHCC is the first step to people's healthcare in Qatar, clinical staff should be certified and assessed regularly to ensure retention of resuscitation knowledge and skills.

The Effect of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Education on the CPR Knowledge, Attitudes, Self-Efficacy, and Confidence in Performing CPR among Elementary School Students in Korea.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education for schoolchildren is emphasized, as bystander CPR is a vital key to increasing the survival rate of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) victims. This study was conducted to verify the effect of CPR education on knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and confidence of Korean elementary school students in performing CPR. Data were collected through structured questionnaires before and after CPR education and analyzed using descriptive statistics, T-tests, and hierarchical regression. Significant improvements in CPR knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and confidence in performing CPR were found after CPR education, with the greatest increase observed in confidence (p = 0.000). The influencing factors on confidence in performing CPR were school grade, attitude, and self-efficacy. Although a significant increase in schoolchildren's CPR knowledge after education was shown, knowledge did not affect confidence in performing CPR. Therefore, early CPR education which focuses on improving confidence in performing CPR is recommended. CPR education might raise attitude and self-efficacy leading to increased confidence in performing bystander CPR. In conclusion, early and regular CPR education for elementary school students is crucial and should be conducted repeatedly.

Cardiac Resuscitation Procedures in US Nursing Facilities: Time to Reevaluate the Standard of Care?

Although the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) response has become the standard of care in many community settings over the past 20+ years, the adoption of AEDs in US nursing facilities is variable and the current number of facilities with AEDs is unknown. Recent research into the use of AEDs as part of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedures for nursing facility residents with sudden cardiac arrest demonstrates improved outcomes in the limited cohort with witnessed arrests, early bystander CPR, and an initial amenable rhythm, shocked with an AED before the arrival of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel. This article reviews data about outcomes of CPR in older adults and nursing facility settings and proposes that standard procedures for CPR attempts in US nursing facilities should be reevaluated and continue to evolve, commensurate with the evidence and community standards.

Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation and cardiac rhythm change over time in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

BackgroundWhether and how bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) modifies the cardiac rhythm after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) over time remains unclear. We investigated the association between bystander CPR and the likelihood...

Bystander basic life support and survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A propensity score matching analysis

Introduction and objectivesIn out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, early recognition, calling for emergency medical assistance, and early cardiopulmonary resuscitation are acknowledged to be the three most important components in the chain of survival. However, bystander basic life support (BLS) initiation rates remain low. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the association between bystander BLS and survival after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients with OHCA with a medical etiology treated by a mobile intensive care unit (MICU) in France from July 2011 to September 2021, as recorded in the French National OHCA Registry (RéAC). Cases in which the bystander was an on-duty fire fighter, paramedic, or emergency physician were excluded. We assessed the characteristics of patients who received bystander BLS vs. those who did not. The two classes of patient were then matched 1:1, using a propensity score. Conditional logistic regression was then used to probe the putative association between bystander BLS and survival. ResultsDuring the study, 52,303 patients were included; BLS was provided by a bystander in 29,412 of these cases (56.2%). The 30-day survival rates were 7.6% in the BLS group and 2.5% in the no-BLS group (p < 0.001). After matching, bystander BLS was associated with a greater 30-day survival rate (odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 1.77 [1.58–1.98]). Bystander BLS was also associated with greater short-term survival (alive on hospital admission; OR [95%CI] = 1.29 [1.23–1.36]). ConclusionsThe provision of bystander BLS was associated with a 77% greater likelihood of 30-day survival after OHCA. Given than only one in two OHCA bystanders provides BLS, a greater focus on life saving training for laypeople is essential.

Impact of COVID-19 on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest care processes.

Early bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, use of defibrillators (including automated external defibrillators) and timely treatment by emergency medical services are known to increase the chances of survival for a patient experiencing an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA); however, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this is unclear from examining previous literature. This commentary critically appraises a recent systematic review and meta-analysis which assesses the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on pre-hospital care for OHCA.

Early Extracorporeal CPR for Refractory Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

BackgroundExtracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) restores perfusion and oxygenation in a patient who does not have spontaneous circulation. The evidence with regard to the effect of extracorporeal CPR on survival with a favorable neurologic outcome in refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is inconclusive.MethodsIn this multicenter, randomized, controlled trial conducted in the Netherlands, we assigned patients with an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest to receive extracorporeal CPR or conventional CPR (standard advanced cardiac life support). Eligible patients were between 18 and 70 years of age, had received bystander CPR, had an initial ventricular arrhythmia, and did not have a return of spontaneous circulation within 15 minutes after CPR had been initiated. The primary outcome was survival with a favorable neurologic outcome, defined as a Cerebral Performance Category score of 1 or 2 (range, 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating more severe disability) at 30 days. Analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis.ResultsOf the 160 patients who underwent randomization, 70 were assigned to receive extracorporeal CPR and 64 to receive conventional CPR; 26 patients who did not meet the inclusion criteria at hospital admission were excluded. At 30 days, 14 patients (20%) in the extracorporeal-CPR group were alive with a favorable neurologic outcome, as compared with 10 patients (16%) in the conventional-CPR group (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.5 to 3.5; P=0.52). The number of serious adverse events per patient was similar in the two groups.ConclusionsIn patients with refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, extracorporeal CPR and conventional CPR had similar effects on survival with a favorable neurologic outcome. (Funded by the Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development and Maquet Cardiopulmonary [Getinge]; INCEPTION ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03101787.)

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Regarding CPR Among Non-medical Staff at a Medical School in South Africa.

Background Sudden cardiac arrest can occur unexpectedly in any person and at any place including at medical schools. Improved outcomes after cardiac arrest are dependent on the initiation of early first responder high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and rapid defibrillation. There is a lack of data pertaining to the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of non-medical staff at medical schools regarding CPR. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of non-medical staff employed at a medical school in South Africa regarding CPR. Methods In this cross-sectional survey study, a paper-based questionnaire was administered to non-medical staff (i.e., all staff without a medical [MBBCh or equivalent] or nursing degree) employed at the medical school. Data were collected between August 1 and October 25, 2020. Results The final study sample comprised 150 participants. Of these, 103 (68.7%) were female, 109 (72.7%) were ≤ 40 years old, 62 (41.3%) had a postgraduate university degree, 72 (48.0%) had witnessed a medical emergency at the medical school premises and 46 (30.7%) had previously undertaken first aid or CPR training. The mean (SD) knowledge score was 4.4 ± 1.6 out of 10 with only 25 (16.7%) participants knowing what the first thing was to look out for during a medical emergency and 28 (18.7%) participants knowing the location of the automated external defibrillator. Most participants (n=136, 90.7%) indicated that CPR training should be mandatory for all employees. Conclusion Non-medical staff surveyed displayed suboptimal knowledge but positive attitudes and perceptions towardCPR. Although this was a single-center study, these results can be used to motivate CPR training of non-medical staff at all medical schools.

Druga karika u lancu preživljavanja kod vanbolničkog srčanog zastoja

Introduction: Early recognition and calling for help, early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), early defibrillation, and post-resuscitation care are the four links in the chain of survival in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. Objective: To determine the incidence of Basic Life Support (BLS) measures being implemented by the eyewitnesses in cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest before the arrival of the ambulance, as well as telephone-assisted CPR, and whether the measures taken affected the rate of achieving the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Material and Methods: The study is retrospective and observational. It was conducted for a year at the Institute for Emergency Medical Assistance Novi Sad. The study included patients with sudden cardiac arrest who were resuscitated by ambulance teams. Results: There were 148 patients enrolled in the study. In the group of patients who survived, there were fewer unrecognized cardiac arrests by the dispatcher, more telephone-assisted CPRs and fewer cases of no CPR measures undertaken by the eyewitnesses before the arrival of the ambulance. In the group of patients who survived, the only statistically significant event was cardiac arrest in the presence of the ambulance team. Conclusion: The implementation of telephone-assisted CPR protocol in dispatch centres would increase the number of cases in which bystanders could implement BLS measures before the arrival of the medical team.