EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF OUT-OF-HOSPITAL CARDIAC ARREST CARE BY THE MOBILE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE (SAMU) - CONSAMU/PR FROM 2019 TO 2024

Abstract

Cardiac arrest (CA) is a high-lethality medical emergency in which pre-hospital care plays a determinant role in patient survival. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological and operational profile of care provided to patients with CA by the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU), managed by CONSAMU/PR, between 2019 and 2024. This is a retrospective, descriptive study with a quantitative approach, based on anonymized secondary data obtained from institutional service records. A total of 1,058 cases were analyzed, considering variables such as sex, age, geographic distribution, outcomes, and response time. The results showed a predominance of male patients (54.6%) and elderly individuals, with the highest concentration in the 61–80 years age group (41.87%). A high proportion of cases without hospital referral (51.5%) was observed, suggesting the severity of CA events. Response time analysis revealed a mean of approximately 15.7 minutes and a median of approximately 12.7 minutes, findings that are consistent with national surveillance studies and performance evaluations, although higher than recommended by international guidelines. It is concluded that the profile of care aligns with national patterns, highlighting the need for improvements in response time, strengthening of early response measures, and expansion of basic life support training strategies, aiming to reduce mortality associated with cardiac arrest.