Experiences and perceptions of lay bystanders responding to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A qualitative systematic review.

In 30 seconds

This systematic review synthesized the experiences and perceptions of lay bystanders responding to out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, analyzing data from eight studies with 209 participants. Key findings highlighted motivators and barriers to response, recognition of cardiac arrest, and psychological impacts post-event. Confidence in the evidence was moderate for three synthesized findings and low for one.

Key findings

• Bystander response involves recognition, action, and post-event adjustment.
• Moderate confidence in evidence regarding motivators and inhibitors of response.
• Conditions facilitating CPR and AED use were identified as critical.
• Post-event psychological responses were noted but with low confidence in evidence.

Why it matters

Understanding lay bystanders' experiences can inform the development of training and support systems, ultimately improving response rates and outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest situations.