Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest data linkage project: 2017-2018 results

Preface

This is the third report summarising outcomes after Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) in Scotland. OHCA continues to be a significant challenge with an average of 67 people - almost a double-decker busload - being resuscitated in the community each week.

The key to increasing the number of people who survive without loss of function is to improve our system of care - starting with bystanders in the community, and continuing until after a return home from hospital. This system is summarised below using the metaphor of the 'Chain of Survival'. Our Chain includes links for community readiness to act in the event of sudden cardiac arrest, early recognition and call for help, early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), early defibrillation, post-resuscitation care and aftercare to ensure recovery continues after leaving hospital.

This report tracks key patient outcomes from Scotland's Strategy for OHCA as strategy partners attempt to optimise implementation of the 'Chain of Survival' across the country^[1]. In our previous work, we identified significant differences in the incidence of, and also in survival outcomes related to, OHCA and the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). We have again included headline figures relating to OHCA and SIMD.

The 'Augmented Chain of Survival' showing the elements required to save lives after OHCA^[1].