Potential impact of emergency intervention on sudden deaths from coronary heart disease in Glasgow

Fitzpatrick, B., Watt, G. and Tunstall-Pedoe, H. (1992) Potential impact of emergency intervention on sudden deaths from coronary heart disease in Glasgow. British Heart Journal, 67(3), pp. 250-254.

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the potential impact of emergency intervention strategies to prevent deaths from coronary heart disease outside hospital. <br/> DESIGN: Analysis of routine medical and legal records of all persons dying of coronary heart disease in a defined population. <br/> SETTING: Glasgow City, north of the river Clyde, 1984. <br/> SUBJECTS: 420 people under 65 years for whom the underlying cause of death on the death certificate was coronary heart disease (ICD 410-414, 9th Revision). <br/> RESULTS: Of the 296 deaths outside hospital, 73% occurred at home. The deaths of 40% of those who died outside hospital were not witnessed and these people could not have received prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Only 16% of the witnesses of a death attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation before the arrival of a doctor or an ambulance crew. Over half (53%) of the cases in which cardiopulmonary resuscitation could have been attempted by a witness, but was not attempted, death occurred in the presence of the spouse or other close relative. Death occurred in the presence of a duty doctor or the ambulance crew in a maximum of 5% of deaths outside hospital. Ninety one per cent of people were dead before a call for help was made. <br/> CONCLUSION: Unless a greater proportion of patients receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation before emergency staff arrive at the scene the provision of emergency care staff with defibrillators is unlikely to have a significant impact on deaths outside hospital caused by coronary heart disease.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Fitzpatrick, Dr Bridie and Watt, Professor Graham
Authors: Fitzpatrick, B., Watt, G., and Tunstall-Pedoe, H.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Nursing and Health Care
Journal Name:British Heart Journal
Journal Abbr.:Br. Heart J.
ISSN:0007-0769
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