Improving survival rates for cardiac arrest in residential areas with mobile responders

A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial of Strategic AED Deployment in High-risk Residential Areas Combined With Activation of Local Residents

NA · Emergency Medical Services, Capital Region, Denmark · NCT04446585

This study is testing whether training local residents to use defibrillators and increasing their availability can help save more lives after cardiac arrests in neighborhoods.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment260 (estimated)
Ages8 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorEmergency Medical Services, Capital Region, Denmark (other gov)
Locations1 site (Ballerup Municipality, The Capital Region)
Trial IDNCT04446585 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on enhancing bystander defibrillation rates during out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in residential areas with high incidence. The intervention involves deploying Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and training local residents to act as citizen responders. By increasing community involvement and access to AEDs, the study aims to improve the rates of defibrillation and survival within 30 days following a cardiac arrest. The initiative targets densely populated areas to maximize impact and effectiveness.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals who experience a witnessed, non-traumatic cardiac arrest in the designated residential areas.

Not a fit: Patients who experience cardiac arrests in nursing homes or those not treated by emergency medical services will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly increase survival rates for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest in residential settings.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in increasing survival rates through community-based interventions and training, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All witnessed cardiac arrests recognized registered in the Danish Cardiac Arrest Registry occurring within the study sites. This excludes non witnessed cardiac arrests.
* Witnessed cardiac arrest
* Non-traumatic etiology, this excludes intoxication, drowning or suicide.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cardiac arrest occurring in a nursing home
* Cardiac arrest not treated by the EMS due to ethical reasons or obvious signs of death
* Not true cardiac arrest (suspected, but not verified)
* Cardiac arrests witnessed by the emergency medical personnel

Where this trial is running

Ballerup Municipality, The Capital Region

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest, Suddan cardiac arrest, Heart Arrest, Heart Diseases, Cardiovascular Diseases

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.