Circulation
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Comparative Study
Improved neurologic recovery and survival after early defibrillation.
Eighty-seven patients who had out-of-hospital cardiac arrests received defibrillating shocks delivered by minimally trained first responders before the arrival of paramedics in a city with short emergency response times. Their outcomes were compared with those of 370 other victims who received only basic life support by first responders until paramedics arrived. ⋯ Eighteen of 46 resuscitated patients (39%) receiving early defibrillation were awake at 24 hr compared with 49 of 204 patients (24%) who received only basic life support while awaiting paramedics (p less than .02). Incorporating defibrillation as part of basic life support can reduce both mortality and morbidity from cardiac arrest, even in cities with established, rapidly responding emergency care systems.