Analysis of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Poland in a 12-month period: data from the Polish POL-OHCA registry.

BACKGROUND: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a severe medical condition. Pre-hospital care plays an essential role in patient survival. AIMS: The first aim of the study is to evaluate cases of OHCA with cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) attempts in 2018 in Poland, their frequency and outcomes in terms of survival until admission to hospital or transport to hospital by Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS). The second aim of the study is to identify the predictors of survival until hospital admission or transport by HEMS. METHODS: It was a case-control study, based on medical documentation. In 2018, 3,400,000 emergency visits were registered. Patients who were treated by EMS ambulance staff with defibrillation or/and at least one dosage of 1 mg epinephrine were considered to have OHCA with CPR attempts. RESULTS: A total of 26,783 CPR attempts were reported by EMS in Poland in 2018. The incidence of OHCA with CPR attempts in 2018 was 69.7/100,000 inhabitants, and it varied from 58.9/100,000 to 84.5/100,000 in 16 Polish voivodships. Survival until hospital admission or transport by HEMS was, on average, 36.3%, and it ranged from 34.5% to 38.3% among the months. Survival until hospital admission or transport by HEMS was related to age, gender, location, defibrillation during CPR, the first recorded rhythm and the procedures performed by the EMS personnel. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The rate of OHCA with CPR attempts was similar to other European countries. 2. Survival until hospital admission or transport by HEMS is associated with numerous, well-known, identified non-modifiable and modifiable factors.