DISPATCHER-ASSISTED CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION - AN EFFICIENT WAY FOR IMPROVING SURVIVAL AFTER OUT-OF-HOSPITAL CARDIAC ARREST
Immediate witnesses of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) play the leading role in supporting human life. In cases when basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is not performed by the bystanders, precipitous hypoxia brings chances for recovery almost to zero by the time of emergency medical services (EMS) arrival. Carrying out CPR following the instructions given by EMS dispatcher over the telephone (T-CPR) is the fastest and most efficient way of increasing bystander CPR rates. Implementation of T-CPR programs is proved to increase survival from OHCA. Consequently, T-CPR is defined by the effective guidelines for resuscitation as an essential component of pre-hospital care. This review discusses the modern approaches to organizing and implementing T-CPR programs, as well as potential barriers and international experience of T-CPR implementation. The paper is meant for EMS directors and managers, EMS dispatchers and public health specialists.