A recent study indicates that initiating CPR within the initial 10 minutes after a cardiac arrest, whether at home or in a public setting, significantly enhances a person’s likelihood of survival and safeguards brain function. This important research will be shared at the American Heart Association’s Resuscitation Science Symposium in Chicago. The findings illustrate that individuals who receive CPR within the first two minutes of a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital have the greatest probability of surviving and maintaining cognitive function; however, even assistance within 10 minutes can still yield beneficial outcomes. It’s essential to note that these results are preliminary and will require further validation through a peer-reviewed publication.
The study’s lead researcher, Dr. Evan O’Keefe, emphasized the urgent need for prompt responses during emergencies. As a cardiovascular fellow at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute and the University of Missouri-Kansas City, he expressed, “These results highlight the critical importance of quick action in emergencies.” He advocates for broader public education on performing CPR and suggests improving strategies for delivering timely assistance to individuals experiencing cardiac arrests. Options for enhancement may encompass expanding CPR training programs within communities, increasing access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and refining emergency dispatch protocols.
Cardiac arrest is defined as the sudden cessation of heart activity, with approximately 350,000 incidents occurring annually outside hospital settings in the United States, resulting in a survival rate below 10%, according to the American Heart Association. Bystander-administered CPR plays a vital role by supplying blood to the brain and other crucial organs. The study aimed to determine whether a specific timeframe exists during which bystander CPR would continue to improve survival rates. Researchers utilized data from the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES), analyzing outcomes for 198,869 witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrests from 2013 to 2022, predominantly involving individuals around the age of 64, with men constituting roughly two-thirds of the participants.
The research unveiled that those who received CPR within two minutes enjoyed an 81% improved chance of surviving and being discharged from the hospital, alongside a remarkable 95% better chance of survival without severe brain impairment compared to those who did not receive CPR. Moreover, even individuals who received assistance up to 10 minutes post-arrest showed a 19% higher survival rate than their non-CPR counterparts, with a 22% better likelihood of surviving without significant brain damage. Conversely, only about 12% of individuals without bystander CPR survived to be discharged, with over 9% experiencing no severe cognitive impairment or major disabilities. Those who received CPR after 10 minutes saw no significant survival increase compared to those who never received assistance.
Dr. Anezi Uzendu, an interventional cardiologist from UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and a personal survivor of cardiac arrest, reiterated the urgency in recognizing such emergencies and taking swift action. He commented, “Time is of the essence when a cardiac arrest occurs, and late interventions can be as ineffective as no intervention at all.” Uzendu, who was not part of the study, stressed the significance of community education and empowerment in saving lives.
Dr. O’Keefe concluded that the study strongly affirms the notion that every second is vital when it comes to initiating bystander CPR. “Even a brief delay can have a significant effect. If someone requires CPR, don’t hesitate about the length of time they have been down. Your swift actions could ultimately save their life.”