# Determinants of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and associated outcomes at a single center in Dubai

## TL;DR

This study examines factors affecting survival rates of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in Dubai, highlighting the need for better public CPR training and faster emergency response.

## Contribution

The study provides novel insights into OHCA outcomes in a rapidly urbanizing region like Dubai, where data is limited.

## Key findings

- Low bystander CPR rates and long EMS response times were significant mortality predictors.
- Only 20.83% of OHCA patients survived, indicating intermediate outcomes.
- Public CPR training and AED accessibility could improve survival rates.

## Abstract

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is a global health challenge with survival rates influenced by timely intervention and regional healthcare dynamics. Despite extensive research in Western contexts, data from rapidly urbanizing regions, such as Dubai, are scarce. This study aims to determine the survival and outcomes of Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients visiting emergency department.

This is a single-center, small observational study which used electronic health records and emergency logs to identify 48 Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases from a single healthcare center (January 2020–October 2024). Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases with resuscitation attempts and complete records were included only. Cox proportional hazard analysis was applied to determine the association between survival predictors and Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes.

The majority were male (93.75%), belonging to low socioeconomic status (83.33%). Bystanders were present in 75% of cases, but only 22.92% performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Mean emergency medical services response time was 15.75 ± 8.55 min. Multivariable analysis identified the absence of bystanders (HR = 3.58, 95% CI1.53–5.51), no bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (HR = 2.12, 95% CI1.82–4.58), prior cardiac arrest (HR = 7.35, 95% CI1.81–9.76), and lack of ROSC (HR = 5.99, 95% CI2.16–8.38) as significant mortality predictors.

The survival rate in this study (20.83%) reflects intermediate outcomes, constrained by low bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation rates and prolonged EMS response times. Outcomes could be improved via targeted public cardiopulmonary resuscitation training, automated external defibrillator, accessibility, and optimized emergency response systems.

Not applicable.