Evaluating low versus standard doses of epinephrine for out-of-hospital 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

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of a low cumulative dose of epinephrine (up to 2mg) against a standard cumulative dose (up to 6mg) in adult patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Eligible patients will be treated by paramedics who will perform CPR and defibrillation, followed by the administration of epinephrine based on the assigned treatment group. The study will track outcomes until the return of spontaneous circulation is achieved or resuscitation is terminated, with follow-up conducted through administrative databases and interviews.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest treated by paramedics AND
* Initial recorded cardiac rhythm of VF or pulseless VT, or, AED shock on first analysis administered or confirmed by paramedics or fire services, AND
* Established intravenous vascular access

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known or apparent age \<18 years
* Initial recorded cardiac rhythm of VF or pulseless VT, or, AED shock on first analysis administered or confirmed by paramedics
* Cardiac arrest due to an obvious non-cardiac primary cause (e.g. blunt or penetrating trauma, exsanguination, burns, drug overdose, drowning, anaphylaxis, sudden asphyxiation, etc.)
* Administration of intramuscular, endotracheal tube, or intraosseous epinephrine
* Prisoners or persons in police custody
* Known allergy or sensitivity to epinephrine

Where it's running

• British Columbia Emergency Health Services (BCEHS)
  Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Recruiting
• Peel Regional Paramedic Services
  Brampton, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
• Middlesex-London Paramedic Service
  London, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
• Halton Region Paramedic Services
  Oakville, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
• Ottawa Paramedic Services
  Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
• Superior North Emergency Medical Services
  Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Paul Dorian, MD, MSc — Unity Health Toronto
• Study coordinator: Theresa Aves, MSc
• Email: theresa.aves@unityhealth.to
• Phone: 416-864-6060

Similar studies

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

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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.