Is Cardiac Resuscitation Worthwhile?

In one decade (1960–70), 1204 patients were resuscitated by a mobile team in a general hospital, with an overall survival rate to discharge of 19.1 per cent. In the 230 survivors, the survival rate was 74 per cent at one year, 59 per cent at two years and 51 per cent at three years. In the largest diagnostic group, coronary-artery disease, the survival rates were similar – i.e., 70 per cent, 55 per cent and 45 per cent at the end of the first, second and third years respectively. A random study of 15 per cent of the survivors showed that their functional capacity before and after resuscitation was unchanged. Half were under 60, and 80 per cent were under 70 years of age. A definite prolongation of life was thus achieved in a productive age group of patients who were returned to their prior functional state.