Using PulsePoint to improve bystander CPR and defibrillator use during cardiac arrests
Evaluating the PulsePoint Mobile Device Application to Increase Bystander Resuscitation for Victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest
This study is testing if the PulsePoint app can help more people nearby perform CPR and use defibrillators during cardiac arrests outside of hospitals.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 340 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Queen's University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Columbus, Ohio and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04806958 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of the PulsePoint system in increasing bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillator use during out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The study will compare two groups: one receiving standard dispatch procedures and the other receiving PulsePoint alerts that notify CPR-trained citizens nearby. The PulsePoint app provides real-time information about the emergency location and nearest defibrillator, aiming to enhance community response to cardiac emergencies. The trial will take place in British Columbia and Columbus, Ohio, with a focus on public locations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing suspected or confirmed cardiac arrest in public locations who are treated by emergency medical services.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those with traumatic cardiac arrests or those in nursing homes and healthcare facilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly increase survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests by improving immediate response times.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar community alert systems, indicating potential for success with this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Patients with 911 calls assigned as "suspected" or "confirmed" cardiac arrest and,
2. Are confirmed to be EMS-treated, public location out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Traumatic cardiac arrest, or
2. Cardiac arrests occurring in the context of a dangerous scene as determined by the 9-1-1 call-taker, or
3. EMS-witnessed cardiac arrest, or
4. Cardiac arrests not treated by EMS ("Do Not Resuscitate", signs of obvious death), or
5. Cardiac arrests occurring in nursing homes and health care facilities.
Where this trial is running
Columbus, Ohio and 2 other locations
- Columbus Division of Fire — Columbus, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
- British Columbia Emergency Health Services — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Recruiting)
- Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service — Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (Withdrawn)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Steven C Brooks, MD MHSc — Queen's University
- Study coordinator: Steven C Brooks, MD MHSc
- Email: Steven.Brooks@kingstonhsc.ca
- Phone: 613-549-6666
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.