No Return of Pulses in the Field Portends Dismal Survival

This study's findings support use of prehospital termination-of-resuscitation protocols.

Prehospital cardiac arrest patients who do not achieve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) continue to be transported to the hospital despite the existence of prehospital termination-of-resuscitation protocols (JW Emerg Med Oct 17 2008). To determine survival rates in such patients, researchers analyzed data from two urban emergency medical service systems for patients who experienced cardiac arrest presumed to be of medical etiology from 2008 to 2010.

Among 2483 patients in whom resuscitation was attempted, survival to hospital discharge was 6.6%. ROSC in the field occurred in 36% of patients. Survival rates were 17.2% in patients with ROSC in the field versus 0.7% in those without ROSC. None of the 11 patients who survived without ROS…

Reviewing Author

Kristi L. Koenig, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Editorial boardsKoenig & Schultz's Disaster Medicine: Comprehensive Principles and Practices

Kristi L. Koenig, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Editorial boardsKoenig & Schultz's Disaster Medicine: Comprehensive Principles and Practices