The Victorian Ambulance Cardiac Arrest Registry (VACAR) was searched for adult OHCA with an initial shockable rhythm between 2003 and 2012. There were 5593 OHCA meeting inclusion criteria. Analysis was performed on 3095 (55%) of patients who did not achieve sustained ROSC in the field. Of these only 589 (20%) had ongoing CPR to hospital. There was a significant decline in rates of transport over the study period. Predictors of transport with ongoing CPR included younger patients, decreased time to first shock and intermittent ROSC prior to transport. Survival to hospital discharge occurred in 52 (9%) of patients who had ongoing CPR to hospital.
In an EMS that provides ACLS at scene, patients without ROSC in the field who receive CPR to hospital have poor outcomes. Developing a system which provides safe transport with ongoing CPR to a hospital that provides ECPR, should be considered.