Introduction
Achieving the optimal survival rate for sudden cardiac arrest in mountains is challenging.
The odds of surviving are influenced mainly by distance, response time, and organization
of the emergency medical system. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiology
and outcomes of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in whom cardiopulmonary
resuscitation was performed in the Polish Tatra Mountains.
Methods
This was a retrospective analysis of data on sudden cardiac arrest collected from
the database of the Tatra Mountain Rescue Service and local emergency medical system
from 2001 to 2021.
Results
A total of 74 cases of sudden cardiac arrest were recorded. The mortality rate was
88% (65/74). Return of spontaneous circulation was achieved in 22 (30%) patients.
A group of survivors was characterized by more frequent use of an automated external
defibrillator (AED) (56% vs 14%, P=0.011), a shorter interval between cardiac arrest and emergency team arrival (12
vs 20 min, P=0.005), and a shorter time to initiation of advanced life support (ALS) (12 vs 22
min, P=0.004). All survivors had a shockable initial rhythm. The majority of survivors (8/9,
89%) had a good or moderate neurological outcome.
Conclusions
This study confirms poor survival rate after sudden cardiac arrest in the mountain
area. The use of AED, shockable initial rhythm, and shorter time interval to emergency
team arrival and ALS initiation are associated with better outcomes.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 27, 2023
Accepted:
November 29,
2022
Received:
August 26,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 Wilderness Medical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
