Mapping the potential of community first responders to increase cardiac arrest survival

Abstract

ObjectiveResuscitation from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is largely determined by the availability of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation within 5–10 min of collapse. The potential contribution of organised groups of volunteers to delivery of CPR and defibrillation in their communities has been little studied. Ireland has extensive networks of such volunteers; this study develops and tests a model to examine the potential impact at national level of these networks on early delivery of care.MethodsA geographical information systems study considering all statutory ambulance resource locations and all centre point locations for community first responder (CFR) schemes that operate in Ireland were undertaken. ESRI ArcGIS Desktop 10.4 was used to map CFR and ambulance base locations. ArcGIS Online proximity analysis function was used to model 5–10 min drive time response areas under sample peak and off-peak conditions. Response areas were linked to Irish population census data so as to establish the proportion of the population that have the potential to receive a timely cardiac arrest emergency response.ResultsThis study found that CFRs are present in many communities throughout Ireland and have the potential to reach a million additional citizens before the ambulance service and within a timeframe where CPR and defibrillation are likely to be effective treatments.ConclusionCFRs have significant potential to contribute to survival following OHCA in Ireland. Further research that examines the processes, experiences and outcomes of CFR involvement in OHCA resuscitation should be a scientific priority.

Motivation, challenges and realities of volunteer community cardiac arrest response: a qualitative study of ‘lay’ community first responders

“…In Ireland, CFRs are volunteers who are activated by text message alert from the statutory ambulance service. CFR categories include off duty ambulance service staff, fire service CFRs, family doctors and lay CFR groups 11. This study focuses on lay CFR groups.…”

Championing survival: connecting the unknown network of responders to address out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

“…Many ambulance services across the UK and Ireland have community groups that are supplementary services delivering lifesaving treatment to those in critical need. For example, in the Republic of Ireland, approximately 600 CFRs are operational across the country [11]. These resources however are finite, covering a large geographical area and have variances in the levels of support and training they receive as they can be either integrated or independent from the EMS [12].…”

Community first response and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Identifying priorities for data collection, analysis, and use via the nominal group technique

“… 6. , 10. Group schemes comprise of trained laypeople or members of county fire services, whilst individual schemes include off-duty paramedics, members of An Garda Síochána (i.e.…”

“…7. , 10. They are alerted via text message to medical emergencies, including OHCA, stroke, and choking, in their local communities.…”