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CPR-induced consciousness rising in OHCA

Trends in the incidence and outcomes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation-induced consciousness in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a retrospective study
Resuscitation · Added 18 September 2026

Ambulance Victoria registry study of 43,402 adult OHCA cases (2008–2024) identifying CPR-induced consciousness — 1,438 patients (3.3%), with annual incidence rising (IRR 1.083, 95% CI 1.07–1.10) across all arrest rhythms, and CPRIC associated with improved survival to hospital discharge.

Study type

Registry

Design

Retrospective registry cohort study (Victorian Ambulance Cardiac Arrest Registry)

Participants

43,402 adults with OHCA (2008–2024); 1,438 with CPRIC

Main finding

CPRIC occurred in 3.3% of OHCA; annual incidence increased over time (IRR 1.083, 95% CI 1.07–1.10) across all rhythms; CPRIC associated with improved survival to hospital discharge.

Caveat

Retrospective registry data; association between CPRIC and survival may reflect favourable patient physiology rather than causation.

Bottom line

Hypothesis-generating

Learning goal

Recognise CPR-induced consciousness during resuscitation and weigh its implications for analgesia and arrest management.

More

• Topic: Cardiac arrest
• Daily scan: 18 September 2026

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