Abstract 13734: Assertive Call-Taking Increases the Provision of Telephone Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation During Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Background: Telephone cardiopulmonary resuscitation (TCPR) is associated with improved outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). AHA guidelines recommend that 9-1-1 call takers (CTs) assertively direct callers to start CPR rather than asking if they are willing to start CPR. It is unknown whether an “assertive” approach (telling callers they need to do CPR) improves TCPR process metrics compared to a “passive” approach (asking callers if they are willing to do CPR). Objective: To compare TCPR process metrics (e.g., getting CPR started, time to first compression) when the CT uses an assertive vs. a passive approach. Methods: Retrospective observational study evaluating 9-1-1 audio recordings where CPR was indicated in confirmed OHCAs between 1/2011 and 12/2015. Calls were designated as 1) “passive” if CTs asked callers to start CPR with interrogative language, 2) “assertive” if CTs directed callers to start CPR with declarative language or 3) “both” if CTs used both types of language in the sam...