Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and measures of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in Emergency Medical Service Pančevo: One-year analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is the most urgent condition that medical professionals are faced with. The applied measures of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) aim to establish the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). This study aimed to determine the frequency of OHCA, as well as the demographic characteristics of patients. Methods: The research is in the form of a retrospective study in the period from January 1. 2022 - December 31. 2022. in the Emergency Medical Service of Pančevo. The data were taken from protocols of home visits and calls, and descriptive statistics presented the results. Results: In the one-year period, OHCA occurred in 36 patients. Most were men (69.4%) of older age, with a peak at the age of 70-81 years. The place of occurrence is mostly the residence (72.2%), and the bystander is a layman (77.8%). Basic Life Support (BLS) measures were initiated in 13.9%. The dominant initial rhythm was non-shockable in 69.4%, and ROSC was established in 39%. The dispatcher recognized that 75% of the cases were OHCA. The etiology is mainly cardiovascular in 44.4% of patients. The most frequent occurrences of OHCA were during the afternoon hours, and the highest number of cases occurred in October. Conclusion: The place of residence, as the most common place where OHCA occurs, and a small number of initiated BLS, as well as a part of the unrecognized OHCA by dispatchers indicate the necessity of educating the population, but also introducing a unique protocol for dispatchers.