Comparing two CPR methods for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

A Randomized Trial Comparing Survival After of a Simplified Form of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Consisting of Compressions Only Compared to CPR With Compressions and Rescue Breaths

Not applicable Interventional Karolinska Institutet · NCT03981107

This study is testing whether Chest Compression Only CPR is just as effective as Standard CPR for helping people who have a cardiac arrest outside of the hospital.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment3260 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKarolinska Institutet Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Bergamo and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03981107 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the effectiveness of Chest Compression Only CPR (CO-CPR) versus Standard CPR (S-CPR) in cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). It is a multicenter, randomized, open-label trial where bystanders trained in CPR will receive dispatcher instructions to perform either CO-CPR or S-CPR. The primary goal is to determine if CO-CPR is non-inferior to S-CPR in terms of survival rates. The study aims to enhance bystander CPR rates and improve outcomes for patients experiencing OHCA.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who are unconscious with no or abnormal breathing, and whose cardiac arrest is witnessed by a bystander trained in CPR.

Not a fit: Patients who are under 18 years old, have asphyxia-related cardiac arrest, or have not been trained in CPR may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to increased survival rates for patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for CO-CPR, suggesting it may be as effective as traditional CPR in certain scenarios.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Unconsciousness with no, abnormal or agonal breathing (suspected OHCA)
* The suspected OHCA is witnessed (seen or heard)
* Any Bystander at the scene has previous training in CPR

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age below 18 years
* Collapse is not witnessed
* Bystander has no prior CPR training
* Obvious asphyxia (i.e. hanging, foreign body, suffocation, strangulation)
* Obvious drug overdose / intoxication
* Pregnancy
* Trauma (penetrating, blunt, burn injury)

Post randomisation exclusion Criteria from data analysis:

* Not EMS-verified cardiac arrest
* Previous do not resuscitate (DNR) decision

Where this trial is running

Bergamo and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac ArrestCardiac ArrestCardiopulmonary ResuscitationChest compressions only CPRDispatcher assisted CPR
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.