Serbian Medical Society, Department of Emergency Medicine, Belgrade
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Heart diseases are the leading cause of death throughout Europe. About 40% of all deaths among under 75 year olds are caused by cardiovascular condition. There weren't any valid epidemiological data about sudden cardiac arrest in Serbia, until now. AIM: The aim of this paper is to emhasise the importance of cardiac arrest research and to announce the first results of EuReCa One 2014 programme, which will improve the quality of resuscitation, and therefore reduce consequences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted by means of questionnaire concerning out-of-hospital cardiac arrest during the time period from 1 to 31 October 2014, with recording of one month survival. RESULTS: The results are presented per 100.000 people (n/100.000). The incidence of Out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in Subotica was 6,35 and on the territory of Serbia 13,21 per 100.000. Resuscitations were initiated in 5,65 cases per 100.000 in Subotica, and for Serbia overall the incidence is 6,47/100.000. More than half of all OHCAs happened at patient's home - 3,53 for Subotica and 4,40 for Serbia. Layman witnessing OHCA never initiated CPR in Subotica, but in Serbia on the whole 1,08/100.000 did start CPR. All of the recorded OHCA in Subotica were caused by presumed heart condition, while in Serbia cardiac etiology caused arrest in 5,4 cases per 100.000. Other causes of OHCA were represented by 1,06/100.000 in Serbia. The incidence of ROSC in Subotica was 1,41 - all of cardiac origin, in Serbia it was 1,08/100.000, and including those of different origin 1,66. Hospital transfer of patients with ROSC was recorded in 1,41/100.000 in Subotica and in 1,40/100.000 on the territory of Serbia. CONCLUSION: A high percentage of conducted resuscitations is evident, as well as the fact that OHCAs were often witnessed. It is therefore important to put emphasis on improvement of providing basic life support untill EMT professionals arrive, and promote health education of civilians
