Telephone CPR (T-CPR)
T-CPR refers to incidences when instructions are provided by a dispatcher to the bystander via telephone (ex. Cellphone). Most people now have cellphones with them, so T-CPR may be a really effective tool that can increase survival rates of cardiac arrests victims. Herein, I use a recent study to provide an overview of the T-CPR method.
Benefits of T-CPR?
- T-CPR Increases the rate of bystander CPR, which in turn increases the survival rates of cardiac arrests victims by 2 – 4 times.
- A Finland study showed a 11% increase (43%) in survival rate until hospital discharge of patients with ventricular fibrillation.
- Experienced dispatchers have the potential to increase the number and quality of CPR delivered.
- Implementation of T-CPR can be effectively implemented. Ex) Every third bystander in Germany has provided T-CPR. Sweden the rate is 55%.
Fallbacks of T-CPR?
- It takes a long time from the first instructed call to first chest compression (140 – 328 seconds). If instructed to do ventilations, it takes 84 seconds longer.
- There may be communication barriers between the layperson and dispatcher, which further increases the time to explain how to do CPR.
How to improve T-CPR?
- Establish standardized protocols to identify cardiac arrests. A London study showed an increase in 200% of patients correctly identified as being victims of cardiac arrests.
If you want to read the full article, Google: “Telephone-assisted CPR – A Literature Review”
