Outcomes of out of hospital sudden cardiac arrest in India: A review and proposed reforms
Hiren Patel, Arun Umesh Mahtani, Laxmi S. Mehta, Ankur Kalra, Dorairaj Prabhakaran, Rakesh Kumar Yadav, Nitish Naik, Kamala P. Tamirisa
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the cornerstone in managing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). However, India lacks a formal sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) registry and the infrastructure for a robust emergency medical services (EMS) response system. Also, there exists an opportunity to improve widespread health literacy and awareness regarding SCA. Other confounding variables, including religious, societal, and cultural sentiments hindering timely intervention, need to be considered for better SCA outcomes. OBJECTIVES: We highlight the current trends and practices of managing OHCA in India and lay the groundwork for improving the awareness, education, and infrastructure regarding the management of SCA. CONCLUSION: Effective management of OHCA in India needs collaborative grassroots reformation. Establishing a large-scale SCA registry and creating official and societal guidelines will be pivotal for transforming OHCA patient outcomes.