Survival Rate After Cardiac Arrest in a Community Hospital

THIS STUDY consists of a six-month survey (Aug 1, 1964, to Jan 31, 1965) of attempts at resuscitation of patients in whom cardiac arrests developed at onset or during the course of their illness. All attempts at resuscitation were done at Muhlenberg Hospital, Plainfield, NJ, a 550-bed community hospital serving a wide residential area of Union, Somerset, and Middlesex counties. Certain criteria for the diagnosis of cardiac arrests were established, as well as extent of adequate attempt at cardiac resuscitation. Criteria for Cardiac Arrests.— (1) Clinical evidence has been obtained through examination of the patients by at least three competent observers, who found the patient to have no audible heart sounds; no blood pressure, respiration, and pulse;dilated pupils; and pallor with or without cyanosis. (2) There is electrocardiographic evidence of cardiac standstill or ventricular fibrillation. Criteria for Adequate Attempt at Resuscitation. — Continuous or active external cardiac massage