Comparing airway management techniques for cardiac arrest
First Responder Airway & Compression Rate Trial (FACT Study)
This study is testing which breathing method, Bag Valve Mask or i-gel, helps people who have a sudden cardiac arrest survive better when used by emergency responders.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 4200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Washington Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Seattle, Washington) |
| Trial ID | NCT05969028 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults suffering from out-of-hospital non-traumatic cardiac arrest in Seattle and greater King County.
Not a fit: Patients who have advanced life support initiated by paramedics, have a do-not-resuscitate order, or belong to protected populations will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve survival rates for patients experiencing cardiac arrest by identifying the most effective airway management technique.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar approaches in evaluating CPR techniques, but this specific comparison of BVM and i-gel is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Seattle, Washington
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.