Abstract 108: Use of an Impedance Threshold Device Improves Survival in a Suburban EMS System

Introduction: The 2005 AHA guidelines recently recommended (Class IIa) the use of an impedance threshold device (ITD) to increase circulation and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) rates in patients in cardiac arrest. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that adding an ITD to standard BLS and ALS resuscitation efforts would improve short-term survival in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest from all causes when compared to historical controls. Methods: Cypress Creek EMS (population 400K) covers a suburban area North of Houston (TX) in Harris County. From 8/05– 4/06, 104 patients in cardiac arrest were prospectively treated with an ITD (ResQPOD®) and survival results were compared to historical controls (n=143) from 8/04–7/05 when an ITD was not in use. The primary endpoint was ROSC. A Chi square test was used for statistical analysis. Age, gender and EMS response time (~8 min) were evenly matched between groups. The ITD was used on all patients in cardiac arrest (all etiologies) who were >...