Open AccessDoes dispatcher-assisted bystander CPR improve outcomes from adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest?
Author(s) -
Ffion Barham,
Stephanie Bailey,
Blair Graham
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
british paramedic journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1478-4726
DOI - 10.29045/14784726.2019.03.3.4.23
Subject(s) - scope (computer science) , medicine , bystander effect , cardiopulmonary resuscitation , critical appraisal , identification (biology) , medical emergency , intensive care medicine , resuscitation , emergency medicine , computer science , alternative medicine , pathology , immunology , programming language , botany , biology
This short review addresses the evidence behind dispatcher-assisted CPR (DA-CPR) and whether it contributes to overall survival of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Six papers directly addressed the review question and were selected for appraisal, including one systematic review. The outcomes of these studies demonstrate variable results from the implementation of DA-CPR strategies. While DA-CPR has some utility as a substitute for spontaneously delivered bystander CPR, available evidence suggests there is scope to improve. Further work should focus on the identification and adoption of more effective protocols.