What is the survival rate for out of hospital cardiac arrests?

As a medical professional with expertise in emergency medicine, I can provide you with an informed perspective on the survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA). It's important to note that survival rates can vary significantly based on a multitude of factors, including the quality of bystander and emergency medical services (EMS) response, the underlying cause of the arrest, and the patient's overall health. The survival rate for OHCA is generally low, with estimates ranging from 2% to 12% depending on the location and the specific circumstances. Several studies have shown that early CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and defibrillation can double or triple the chances of survival. The time to defibrillation is a critical factor, as for every minute that passes without it, the chance of survival decreases by approximately 10%. Factors that can improve the likelihood of survival include: 1. Witnessed arrest with immediate CPR. 2. Rapid EMS response and defibrillation. 3. Public access defibrillation (PAD) programs where automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are available. 4. Good pre-arrest health of the patient. On the other hand, factors that can decrease the likelihood of survival include: 1. Non-witnessed arrest with delayed CPR. 2. Long response times by EMS. 3. Underlying medical conditions that contribute to the arrest. It's also worth mentioning that survival rates have been improving over the years due to advancements in medical technology and increased public awareness about the importance of CPR and early defibrillation.

New report suggests the incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is 326,200. The average survival rate is 10.6% and survival with good neurologic function is 8.3%. Nearly one in three victims survives when the arrest is witnessed by a bystander.