Rapid on-site defibrillation versus community program.

Introduction: For patients who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, the time from collapse to initial defibrillation is the single most important factor that affects survival to hospital discharge. The purpose of this study was to compare the survival rates of cardiac arrest victims within an institution that has a rapid defibrillation program with those of its own urban community, tiered EMS system.

Methods: A logistic regression analysis of a retrospective data series (n = 23) and comparative analysis to a second retrospective data series (n = 724) were gathered for the study period September 1994 to September 1999.