Actions Taken by Bystanders During Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Analysis of Emergency Medical Service Documentation in Poland
2024

Actions Taken by Bystanders During Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Sample size: 787 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Milewski Rafał, Lewko Jolanta, Milewska Gabriela, Baranowska Anna, Lankau Agnieszka, Orzechowska Magda, Krajewska-Kułak Elżbieta, Savastano Simone, Vogiatzis Ioannis

Primary Institution: Medical University of Bialystok

Hypothesis

The study aims to analyze cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and assess the actions taken by bystanders.

Conclusion

The most significant factor influencing the occurrence of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in patients is CPR initiation by bystanders.

Supporting Evidence

  • ROSC occurred in 30.53% of cases where bystanders performed CPR.
  • ROSC occurred in only 2.35% of cases where bystanders did not perform CPR.
  • Among patients with VF/pVT rhythm, ROSC occurred in 58.62% of cases.
  • Among patients with asystole or PEA, ROSC occurred in 26.56% of cases.
  • CPR initiation by bystanders increased the likelihood of EMTs starting medical emergency procedures.

Takeaway

If someone has a sudden cardiac arrest, getting help and starting CPR quickly can save their life. Bystanders who help can make a big difference.

Methodology

The study analyzed 49,649 dispatch records from the emergency medical team in Bialystok over two years, focusing on cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Potential Biases

Inaccurately completed medical documentation may have affected the data quality.

Limitations

The study did not cover rural areas or other provincial cities in Poland, which may limit the generalizability of the results.

Participant Demographics

The average age of participants was 68.79 years, with a higher incidence in men (62.74%).

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/jcm13247765

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