Article Text
Abstract
Background The first Resuscitation Academy Germany (RAD) aims to improve the outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) systemically and sustainably according to Eisenberg’s 10-step program developed 2008 in Seattle/King County, USA.1 Participating Emergency Medical Services (EMS) have reported significant improvements in their systems and patient outcomes.2The European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021 recommend the implementation.3
Method The RAD was launched in January 2020. It involves six EMS regions (Berlin, Dortmund, Kiel, Plön, Vorpommern-Greifswald, Rostock) and runs for 30 months following a structured process with continuous monitoring and ongoing sequential meetings. A key focus is on implementation of local projects. The goal is the systemic and continuous improvement measured by the German Resuscitation Registry (GRR) and the ‘RAD-Online-Tool’. The ‘RAD-Online-Tool’ is a system-self-assessment tool (SSAT) used at different points over the study period.
Results The six EMS regions have conducted the SSAT to identify potentials for improvement and translate them into multiple projects and goals. All participants are aiming for better data quality or improved usage of the GRR and to introduce a High-Performance-CPR-Program. Some EMS dispatch centers started to measure and improve their Telephone-CPR and/or Rapid Dispatch. Several systems will implement lay rescuer integration via app or improve AED integration. Other projects are on multiprofessional training for paramedics and emergency physicians or a Paramedic-Supervisor-Pilot program.
Conclusion Initial data and reports from participating EMS regions show success and potential for further improvement. For Germany, the format of consecutive workshops and continuous support seems particularly appropriate.
References
The Resuscitation Academy Foundation. 10 STEPS for Improving Survival from Cardiac Arrest. 2nd ed. Seattle; 2019 [cited 2021 Nov 10]. Available from: https://www.resuscitationacademy.org/s/10_steps_2019-h2yk.pdf.
Global Resuscitation Alliance. Steady increase in survival: 50% improvement is possible; 2019 [cited 2021 Nov 10]. Available from: https://www.globalresuscitationalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/GRA_Data_Collection.pdf.
Semeraro F, Greif R, Böttiger BW, Burkart R, Cimpoesu D, Georgiou M, et al. European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021: Systems saving lives. Resuscitation 2021;161:80–97. doi: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2021.02.008. PubMed PMID: 33773834.
Conflict of interest SSe, JTG is member of the steering committee of the German Resuscitation Registry. The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Funding The German Resuscitation Academy received fundings by the State of Schleswig-Holstein (fund for the further development of (multi-sector) patient care) and the Damp Foundation.
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