Spotlight on Research

Over the years it has been evidenced that early recognition and appropriate treatment of cardiac arrest can impact on survival rates, and this work emphasises the important role that bystanders can play in the management of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

This qualitative study was undertaken in Denmark between March and July 2013. It focuses on the concept of systematic debriefing of bystanders involved in OHCA, as well as exploring the effects that debriefing can have on these people.

Data collection involved audio-recorded, semi-structured telephone interviews with a sample of 15 individuals who had participated in resuscitation attempts in OHCA, and who had also received telephone debriefing (audio-recorded) after the event.

The debriefing was delivered by Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMDs) who, in Denmark, are specifically trained paramedics or nurses. The debriefing guidelines were based on concepts of adult learning and adapted from the field of medical simulation encouraging participants to reflect on their performance.

Twelve EMDs were trained in the debriefing process (although only nine participated in the study), and they were also taught how to recognise possible warning signs of people who were not coping. The project manager monitored the EMDs' approaches to debriefing throughout the study, and the debriefing guide was adjusted accordingly—although there is no specific information offered in the paper as to the extent of these changes.