Deprivation links to bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation rates

Abstract

Background: Public access defibrillators and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) have been at the forefront of public health campaigns and public education and are key links in the chain of survival. Despite this, survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in 2024 in the UK are lower than in comparable countries. Aims: This study aimed to critically review research in the UK to identify whether a patient's level of socioeconomic deprivation impacts their chances of receiving bystander CPR and defibrillation. Methods: A rapid evidence review was conducted with literature searches from 2013 to July 2023 carried out. Five studies were identified. Findings: OHCA incidence was lowest in areas of least deprivation, while the most deprived populations had lower rates of bystander CPR (BCPR) with higher OHCA incidences. Automated external defibrillator (AED) provision did not correlate with OHCA incidence. Conclusion: Research is needed to look at areas with a high incidence of OHCA associated with low rates of BCPR, with the aim to target high-risk areas of low BCPR and high OHCA incidences for public education and AED installation, including qualitative research into the population's thoughts and knowledge of CPR and defibrillation.