Acute cardiac care & resuscitation

Activation of community first responders to pediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in Denmark

ResuscitationPublished Registry-based study

Authors' conclusion

CFR activation to pediatric OHCAs was associated with early resuscitative efforts. One-third reported moderate or severe immediate distress, particularly when arriving before EMS, performing CPR, or responding to younger children. The majority of the CFRs remained willing to remain in the system afterwards. Findings reflect immediate responses and should be interpreted alongside the potential benefits of early interventions.

Study context

Population
Pediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) (ages 0–17) with CFR activation in Denmark, September 2017 to December 2023Community first responders (CFRs) activated in 55 pediatric OHCAs, 157 arrived at the scene
Participants
794 participants
Outcome
CFR arrival and interventions
Methodological detailsdescriptive and exploratory analyses
  • Descriptive and exploratory analyses

Main finding

As reported in the abstract

CFRs arrived at the scene

157

Arrived before EMS

85 of 157

54%

Performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

47 of 157

30%

Provided support to relatives

44 of 157

28%

Observational data: associations, not effects.

Further findings

Moderate or severe self-reported immediate distress

All CFRs who arrived
53/157 (34%)
Among those who arrived before EMS
44/85, 52%
Among those who performed CPR
30/47, 64%
In cases of children <4 years
35/77, 45%

Willingness to continue volunteering · afterwards

Remained willing to continue volunteering
155/157, 99%

Original publication

Activation of community first responders to pediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in Denmark. Resuscitation. Published 25 May 2026. doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2026.111148

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