Cardiac arrest in the community

Abstract

Too often, a physician attempting to resuscitate a victim of cardiac arrest on arrival at the hospital emergency department is dealing with a hopeless situation. Fortunately, this situation can be improved by implementation of a system of rapid response to cardiac arrest within the community. Dr Bachman describes the principles of a community approach to cardiac arrest, with emphasis on administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and advanced cardiac life support at the scene.