FIELD TERMINATION OF UNSUCCESSFUL OUT-OF-HOSPITAL CARDIAC-ARREST RESUSCITATION - ACCEPTANCE BY FAMILY MEMBERS

Study objective: To determine whether family members accept field term ination of unsuccessful out-of-hospital cardiac arrest resuscitation. Methods: We carried out a prospective cohort study, using a structured interview, in an urban, municipal, advanced life support emergency me dical services (EMS) system. The interview subjects were family member s present at the scene in a consecutive series of unsuccessful out-of- hospital resuscitation attempts.Results: During the 4-month study peri od, 140 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurred. Follow-up with a fam ily member was performed in 42 of the 53 cardiac arrests that met the inclusion criteria (79%). When resuscitation was terminated in the fie ld (n=25), 24 family members (96%) reported satisfaction with the deci sion. When resuscitation was terminated in the emergency department (n =17), 14 family members (82%) reported satisfaction with the decision to transport the victim to the hospital. However, responses indicated that 13 of the family members (76%) might have accepted termination of resuscitation in the home. In all cases, relatives reported satisfact ion with the paramedics' care and with the manner in which they were i nformed of the victims' deaths. Conclusion: Family members accept term ination of unsuccessful out-of-hospital cardiac arrest resuscitation i n the field.