Resuscitation by laypersons: lack of knowledge of first-aid measures in Germany

Background and objective: Sudden cardiac death is a leading cause of death. In Germany, only 10% of patients will survive reanimation. The prognosis is mainly determined by the first-aid skills of accidental witnesses. Methods: The reaction of 1007 German-speaking adults (462 males, 545 females, median age 39 years) was investigated in an emergency scenario with symptoms of sudden cardiac death in an acquaintance. Afterwards a self-assessment of their first-aid skills, such as cardiac compression and mouth-to-mouth ventilation was made. Results: 94% of the interviewees would call professional aid at once. Diagnostic skills, as searching for pulse or checking for breath would be done by 26 and 21%, respectively. The most frequently mentioned therapeutic skill was positioning the victim in stable lateral position (37%), but very less frequently cardiac compression (6%) and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation (10%). When asked, 51 (81%) of those interviewed regarded their skills in cardiac compression and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation as adequate. To some extent there were differences in favor of young people and those from East Germany. Conclusion: These representative data suggest that (a) ABC-like first-aid rules are largely unknown among the population; (b) the value of a stable lateral position is overestimated and (c) first-aid skills of elderly persons are worst. A significant improvement of first-aid skills of the German population is mandatory in order to improve in future the outcome of sudden cardiac death.