Michaele
Kevin Thomas, MD: The answer to your question is not straightforward. SCA accounts for 335,000 deaths annually. 36-81/100,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests are treated by emergency medical services. So many SCA’s are unwitnessed and thus lead to poor outcomes.
Only 6% of SCA survivors live to be discharged from the hospital, so even if they are found and brought to the hospital survivors are relatively uncommon.
Given these considerations it is hard to know whether CPR or emergency services could have changed the outcome. During SCA time is of utmost importance and the quicker someone is found the better their chances of survival. The other variable is what caused her sca some conditions are more treatable and responsive than others.
It is important to recognize that your mother’s situation places you at higher risk and it is important to discuss this consideration with your doctor.
Date: 11 Aug 2008
Given in this interview: The Disparity of Care in SCA
