Publication
Title
When is a bystander not a bystander any more? A European survey
Author
Institution/Organisation
EuReCa Natl Coordinators
Abstract
Objective: There is international variation in the rates of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 'Bystander CPR' is defined in the Utstein definitions, however, differences in interpretation may contribute to the variation reported. The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to understand how the term 'bystander CPR' is interpreted in Emergency Medical Service (EMS) across Europe, and to contribute to a better definition of 'bystander' for future reference. Methods: During analysis of the EuReCa ONE study, uncertainty about the definition of a 'bystander' emerged. Sixty scenarios were developed, addressing the interpretation of 'bystander CPR'. An electronic version of the survey was sent to 27 EuReCa National Coordinators, who distributed it to EMS representatives in their countries. Results were descriptively analysed. Results: 362 questionnaires were received from 23 countries. In scenarios where a layperson arrived on scene by chance and provided CPR, up to 95% of the participants agreed that 'bystander CPR' had been performed. In scenarios that included community response systems, firefighters and/or police personnel, the percentage of agreement that 'bystander CPR' had been performed ranged widely from 16% to 91%. Even in scenarios that explicitly matched examples provided in the Utstein template there was disagreement on the definition. Conclusion: In this survey, the interpretation of 'bystander CPR' varied, particularly when community response systems including laypersons, firefighters, and/or police personnel were involved. It is suggested that the definition of 'bystander CPR' should be revised to reflect changes in treatment of OHCA, and that CPR before arrival of EMS is more accurately described.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Resuscitation. - Limerick, 1972, currens
Publication
Limerick : 2019
ISSN
0300-9572 [print]
1873-1570 [online]
DOI
10.1016/J.RESUSCITATION.2018.12.009
Volume/pages
136 (2019) , p. 78-84
ISI
000459788200011
Pubmed ID
30572073
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 04.04.2019
Last edited 02.10.2024
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