What is this study trying to find out about out-of-hospital cardiac arrest?

This study is examining whether chest compression only CPR is as effective as standard CPR in helping people survive out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Researchers want to know if a simpler CPR method performed by trained bystanders can improve survival rates. The study is sponsored by Karolinska Institutet.

Who may be eligible for this out-of-hospital cardiac arrest clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 or older who witness an unconscious person with abnormal breathing and have previous CPR training may be eligible. Both men and women can join. People who are pregnant or have witnessed trauma or drug overdose are excluded. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this out-of-hospital cardiac arrest clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the instructions for CPR and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. Personal travel expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

ID03981107

A Randomized Trial Comparing Survival After a Simplified Form of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Compressions Only Versus Standard CPR With Compressions and Rescue Breaths

Led by Karolinska Institutet · Updated on 2026-05-08

3260

Participants Needed

Research Sites

52 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest OHCA is a leading cause of death in industrialized countries. This trial investigates whether chest compression only CPR CO-CPR is no worse than standard CPR S-CPR in improving survival when performed by bystanders trained in CPR during witnessed, non-asphyxic OHCA events. The study also explores if CO-CPR may increase survival rates compared to S-CPR. Participants are randomly assigned to receive dispatcher instructions for either CO-CPR, which involves continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths, or S-CPR, which includes chest compressions and rescue breaths in a 302 ratio. The trial is conducted nationally in Sweden with expansion planned in northern Italy and includes a run-in phase, pilot study, and a main study focused on 30-day survival. During the study, emergency dispatchers provide instructions to bystanders at the scene. Researchers collect data on survival at 1 day, 30 days, and 1 year, as well as neurological outcomes at discharge. The main outcome is survival 30 days after the cardiac arrest. This trial monitors real-life emergency situations to assess the effectiveness of these CPR methods in improving survival.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Compression Only CPR Versus Standard CPR in Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest - A Randomized Survival Study

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Unconsciousness with no, abnormal, or agonal breathing (suspected out-of-hospital cardiac arrest)
The cardiac arrest event is witnessed (seen or heard)
Any bystander present has previous CPR training
Adults aged 18 years or older

You will not qualify if you...

Age below 18 years
Cardiac arrest collapse is not witnessed
Bystander has no prior CPR training
Obvious asphyxia such as hanging, foreign body obstruction, suffocation, or strangulation
Obvious drug overdose or intoxication
Pregnancy
Trauma including penetrating, blunt, or burn injuries
Cases not verified as cardiac arrest by emergency medical services
Previous do not resuscitate (DNR) decision

Research Team

Jacob Hollenberg, MD. PhD

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