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Evaluation of cardiac arrests managed by paramedics
S A Lauterbach1, M Spadafora, R Levy
1Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio 45267.
JACEP
|October 1, 1978
Summary
Cincinnati paramedics achieved a 15% survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. This study highlights the effectiveness of prompt intervention by trained personnel in improving cardiac arrest survival outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) presents a significant public health challenge.
- Survival rates for OHCA are historically low, emphasizing the need for effective prehospital interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of cardiac resuscitation efforts by Cincinnati paramedics.
- To determine the long-term survival rate of patients experiencing cardiac arrest outside a hospital setting.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study monitored 147 patients undergoing cardiac resuscitation by paramedics over one year.
- Patient outcomes were categorized (DOA, died in ED, died in hospital, discharged alive) and tracked until hospital discharge or death.
Main Results:
- A total of 22 patients (15%) were discharged alive from the hospital.
- An additional 26 patients (18%) died during hospitalization.
- The overall survival rate of 15% is comparable to other prehospital care systems.
Conclusions:
- Prompt intervention by trained paramedics can lead to approximately 15% survival for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
- The findings support the critical role of prehospital care in improving cardiac arrest outcomes.