[Out-of-hospital resuscitation in Israel 2000]

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Cardiology
• Public Health

Context:

• Pre-hospital care in Israel
• Mobile intensive cardiac care units (MICU) of Magen David Adom (MDA)
• National survey conducted in February-March 2000

Purpose:

• Evaluate the impact of pre-hospital cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by MDA MICU teams.
• Analyze resuscitation outcomes based on initial cardiac rhythm and response times.
• Assess the rate of bystander basic life support initiation.

Summary:

• 539 resuscitations were analyzed, with 485 performed by MDA MICUs.
• Mean patient age was 70.5 years; 68% were male.
• Response time averaged 10.3 minutes; bystander CPR initiated in 14% of cases.
• Initial rhythms: 50% asystole, 19% VT/VF, 13% PEA, 18% other arrhythmias.
• 41% (199 patients) transferred alive to hospital; 11% (53 patients) discharged alive.
• Cardiac causes accounted for 64% of arrests; 48% had prior heart disease.
• Discharged patients were younger, resuscitated faster, with VT/VF having better outcomes (21% vs. 4% for asystole).

Impact:

• Successful resuscitation to discharge rates varied significantly by initial rhythm (VT/VF 21% vs. asystole 4%).
• Low rate of bystander CPR initiation in Israel identified.
• Findings can inform medical staff and health policy providers to improve pre-hospital cardiac arrest care in Israel.