Determinants of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and associated outcomes at a single center in Dubai

Abstract Background Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is a global health challenge with survival rates influenced by timely intervention and regional healthcare dynamics. Despite extensive research in Western contexts, data from rapidly urbanizing regions, such as Dubai, are scarce. This study aims to determine the survival and outcomes of Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients visiting emergency department. Methods This is a single-center, small observational study which used electronic health records and emergency logs to identify 48 Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases from a single healthcare center (January 2020–October 2024). Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases with resuscitation attempts and complete records were included only. Cox proportional hazard analysis was applied to determine the association between survival predictors and Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes. Results The majority were male (93.75%), belonging to low socioeconomic status (83.33%). Bystanders were present in 75% of cases, but only 22.92% performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Mean emergency medical services response time was 15.75 ± 8.55 min. Multivariable analysis identified the absence of bystanders (HR = 3.58, 95% CI1.53–5.51), no bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (HR = 2.12, 95% CI1.82–4.58), prior cardiac arrest (HR = 7.35, 95% CI1.81–9.76), and lack of ROSC (HR = 5.99, 95% CI2.16–8.38) as significant mortality predictors. Conclusion The survival rate in this study (20.83%) reflects intermediate outcomes, constrained by low bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation rates and prolonged EMS response times. Outcomes could be improved via targeted public cardiopulmonary resuscitation training, automated external defibrillator, accessibility, and optimized emergency response systems. Clinical trial number Not applicable.