Bystander interventions and survival following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest at Copenhagen International Airport. (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gantzel Nielsen, Christian; Andelius, Linn Charlotte; Hansen, Carolina Malta; Blomberg, Stig Nikolaj Fasmer; Christensen, Helle Collatz; Kjølbye, Julie Samsøe; Tofte Gregers, Mads Christian; Ringgren, Kristian Bundgaard; Folke, Fredrik
• Is Part Of: Resuscitation. Volume 162(2021)
• Page Start: 381
• Page End: 387
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: Resuscitation -- Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest -- International airports -- Defibrillation -- Strategic AED placement; Resuscitation -- Periodicals; Resuscitation -- Periodicals; Réanimation -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.025
• DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2021.01.039
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-9572

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: To examine incidence and outcome following out-of-hospital cardiac (OHCA) arrest in a high-risk area characterised by high density of potential bystanders and easy access to nearby automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Methods: This retrospective observational study investigated pre-hospital and in-hospital treatment, as well as survival amongst persons with OHCA at Copenhagen International Airport between May 25, 2015 and May 25, 2019. OHCA data from pre- and in-hospital medical records were obtained and compared with public bystander witnessed OHCAs in Denmark. Results: Of the 23 identified non-traumatic OHCAs, 91.3% were witnessed by bystanders, 73.9% received bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and 43.5% were defibrillated by a bystander. Survival to hospital discharge was 56.5%, with 100% survival among persons with an initial shockable heart rhythm. Compared with nationwide bystander witnessed OHCAs, persons with OHCA at the airport were less likely to receive bystander CPR (73.9% vs. 89.4%, OR 0.33; 95% CI, 0.13–0.86), more likely to receive bystander defibrillation (43.5% vs. 24.8%, OR 2.32; 95% CI, 1.01–5.31), to achieve return of spontaneous circulation (78.2% vs. 50.6%, OR 3.51; 95% CI, 1.30–9.49), and survive to hospital discharge (56.5% vs. 45.2%, OR 1.58; 95% CI, 0.69–3.62). Conclusion: We found a high proportion of bystander defibrillation indicating that bystanders will quickly apply an AED, when accessible. Importantly, 56% of all persons, and all persons with a shockable heart rhythm survived. These findings suggest increased potential for survival following OHCA and support current guidelines to strategically deploy accessible AEDs in high-risk OHCA areas.