Comparing airway management techniques for cardiac arrest

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The First Responder Airway & Compression Rate Trial (FACT) focuses on evaluating basic life support treatments administered by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for patients experiencing sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (SCA). This randomized controlled trial compares two rescue breathing methods—Bag Valve Mask (BVM) and i-gel—while also assessing the effectiveness of chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Both methods are standard care practices, and the study aims to determine which approach leads to better survival rates upon hospital discharge. The trial is conducted in Seattle and greater King County, involving EMS personnel in real-life emergency situations.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults suffering out-of-hospital non-traumatic SCA in Seattle and greater King County in whom resuscitation will be attempted by first responding EMS personnel.

Exclusion Criteria:

* if advanced paramedic providers are first on-scene and have already initiated advanced life support (ALS) procedures,
* a written advance directive (do not attempt resuscitation orders),
* traumatic arrest (blunt, penetrating, burn),
* known prisoner,
* known pregnancy,
* other protected populations (pediatrics),
* pre-existing tracheostomy,
* recipients of mechanical ventilator support, or
* presence of an "opt out" bracelet to not be enrolled in clinical trials.

Where it's running

• King County EMS
  Seattle, Washington, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Thomas Rea, MD — University of Washington
• Study coordinator: Jenny B Shin
• Email: jennys2@uw.edu
• Phone: 206-263-8586

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Minimal Sedation After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

  This study tests whether stopping continuous sedation right after return of circulation is as safe as keeping patients sedated in the early hours after OHCA.

  Recruiting University Medical Centre Ljubljana · Ljubljana · NCT07895771

• Drone delivery of AEDs to bystanders for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

  This project will test whether drones can deliver AEDs quickly to bystanders helping someone who has a cardiac arrest outside a hospital.

  Recruiting University of Surrey · Guildford, Surrey · NCT07430813

• Pre-hospital wearable cooling after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

  This pilot test tries a battery-free CarbonCool® cooling vest applied by paramedics to adults who regain a pulse after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest but remain unconscious to see if early cooling is feasible and safe.

  Recruiting Singapore General Hospital · Singapore · NCT07421882

• Early double sequential defibrillation for cardiac arrest outside the hospital

  We test whether using two defibrillators in quick succession after the first failed shock helps adults with out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrest and a shockable rhythm survive more often than continuing standard single shocks.

  Recruiting at 9 sites Phase 2/3 Karolinska Institutet · Amsterdam and 13 other locations · NCT07174986

• Prehospital access to extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in Prague

  This study is testing if a special emergency treatment called prehospital extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) can help people who have a cardiac arrest outside of the hospital survive better and have better brain function compared to those who only get treatment in the hospital.

  Recruiting General University Hospital, Prague · Prague, Czechia · NCT06789978

• Initial double sequential defibrillation for out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation

  This trial will test whether using two defibrillators to give double sequential shocks first improves survival for adults with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and a shockable rhythm.

  Recruiting St. Olavs Hospital · Trondheim · NCT06672159

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.