Out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest outcomes, end‐tidal carbon dioxide and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation eligibility: New South Wales pilot data

OBJECTIVE: To describe on‐scene times for out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) transferred to hospital, the number of these that were extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) eligible and potential association between end‐tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO(2)) and survival so as to inform planned interventional studies. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of all OHCA, of suspected medical cause, where resuscitation was commenced and who were transported to participating hospitals from October 2020 to May 2021. RESULTS: One hundred and forty‐nine OHCA were included. Forty‐four (30%) patients survived to hospital discharge. Eighteen (8%) met ECPR inclusion criteria. Median on‐scene time was 33 min (interquartile range [IQR] 24–44). Initial hospital ETCO(2) for non‐survivors was 35 mmHg (IQR 19–50), survivors 36 mmHg (IQR 33–45); P = 0.215. No patient with an ETCO(2) less than 20 mmHg on hospital arrival to survived to hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Average on‐scene time did not differ on survivorship. A small number of transferred patients with OHCA were ECPR eligible. ETCO(2) less than 20 mmHg portends adverse prognosis. Our data will be used for future interventional studies.