Collaboration between emergency physicians and citizen responders in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest resuscitation

Abstract Background Citizen responder programmes dispatch volunteer citizens to initiate resuscitation in nearby out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) before the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrival. Little is known about interaction between citizen responders and EMS personnel during attempt. In Capital Region of Denmark, emergency physicians are dispatched all suspected OHCAs. The aim this study was evaluate how perceived collaboration with attempts. Method This cross-sectional conducted through an online questionnaire. It included 65 at Copenhagen June 9 December 13, 2019 (catchment area 1.8 million). questionnaire examined scene OHCA (use after arrival, responders’ skills cardiopulmonary (CPR), challenges setting). Results response rate 87.7% (57/65). Nearly (93.0%) had interacted a least once. Of those 92.5%( n = 49) considered it relevant activate resuscitation, 67.9%( 36) reported as helpful. When arrived EMS, 75.5%( 40) continued use assist CPR or carry equipment. Most (84.9%, 45) stated that necessary perform CPR. Challenges were described by 20.7%( 11) being mistaken for relatives, time-consuming communication, crowding problems resuscitation. Conclusion valuable, not only delivery CPR, but also extra helpful resource providing non-CPR related tasks such directing arrest location, carrying equipment taking care relatives.