The likelihood of a child surviving a cardiac arrest may vary based on their location, according to a recent study conducted by the University of Missouri School of Medicine.
The likelihood of a child surviving a cardiac arrest may vary based on their location, according to a recent study conducted by the University of Missouri School of Medicine.
This research indicates that specific social factors impacting health are linked to a decreased likelihood of children receiving CPR, utilizing automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and ultimately surviving cardiac arrest. These factors include socioeconomic status, education levels, and the racial composition of communities.
Dr. Mary Bernardin, an emergency pediatrics specialist and author of the study, noted, “This may be partly due to insufficient education regarding CPR and AED usage. Regions with greater educational achievements exhibited higher rates of CPR performance and AED usage.”
While numerous studies have highlighted the influence of social factors on the care of adults facing cardiac arrests, only a few have concentrated on children, often with limited sample sizes. This study is the largest of its type, analyzing 21,137 records from 54 states and territories throughout the United States.
Bystanders administered CPR to children in approximately 62% of instances and used AEDs in around 23% of cases. Sadly, only 21% of children survived, with survival rates particularly low in areas characterized by lower education levels, higher poverty rates, and significant racial or ethnic minority populations.
The primary cause of pediatric cardiac arrests was found to be acute traumatic incidents. Dr. Bernardin emphasizes that it is vital to tackle issues such as firearm injuries when considering factors that affect patient outcomes, as these are the leading cause of death among children in the United States.
“For decades, children from racial or ethnic minority backgrounds have disproportionately experienced firearm injuries,” Bernardin stated. “Implementing community interventions to prevent gun violence could significantly protect the lives of those children at greatest risk.”
Additionally, developing educational programs aimed at those most likely to witness or encounter a pediatric cardiac arrest could be beneficial. These programs would provide training in CPR and AED usage, along with focused interventions.
Dr. Mary Bernardin is an assistant professor of emergency medicine and pediatrics at the MU School of Medicine, as well as a pediatric emergency medicine practitioner at MU Health Care. She serves as the medical director of Emergency Medical Services for Children, the assistant medical director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, and the director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Education.
