Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

• Committee Chair Name & Credentials:
  Jason Jean, DNP, RN, FNP-BC 
• Committee Member Name & Credentials:
  Melanie Allison, DNP, RN, ACNP-BC

DNP Project Abstract

EMS Care in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Purpose
The Purpose of this project is to identify the factors that prevent adherence to the AHA/ Utstein guidelines of early initiation of CPR within 60 seconds of EMS arrival and early defibrillation (when appropriate) within two minutes of EMS arrival. The Study goal is to increase successful implementation of the guidelines 90% of the time over the next three months.

Methods
Over a month span, five 2-hour trainings were completed with Smith Ambulance and New Philadelphia Fire Department. At each training session, a pre-presentation survey was completed by each EMS provider. A 30-minute presentation was delivered addressing factors affecting EMS care on OHCA patients in Tuscarawas County and Six hands-on scenarios were completed. The same survey was completed post training. Survey answers were organized by pre/post-survey in excel. 

Results
The study identified factors that inhibit appropriate completion of guidelines. Post-study survey resulted in improved understanding of appropriate principles of the guidelines and appropriate leadership roles in resuscitation.

Implications for Practice
Adherence to guidelines was not only affected by provider knowledge of the guidelines, but also factors such as scene time arrival, patient location, and early recognition of OHCA. The study suggests improvement may be obtained through increased frequency of education combined with hands-on training.