Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest during the Covid-19 Outbreak in Italy

This correspondence investigates the correlation between the Covid-19 outbreak and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in four Lombardy provinces in Italy. Comparing data from February 21 to March 31 in 2020 and 2019, the authors found a 58% increase in OHCA cases during the Covid-19 outbreak. Most additional cases were either confirmed or suspected Covid-19, accounting for over 75% of the increase. Incidences of unwitnessed cardiac arrests, arrests at home, and pre-hospital deaths were also markedly higher. The surge in OHCA paralleled regional Covid-19 incidence rates, indicating a strong association. The study emphasizes delayed emergency response times and reduced bystander CPR during the outbreak.

This correspondence investigates the correlation between the Covid-19 outbreak and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in four Lombardy provinces in Italy. Comparing data from February 21 to March 31 in 2020 and 2019, the authors found a 58% increase in OHCA cases during the Covid-19 outbreak. Most additional cases were either confirmed or suspected Covid-19, accounting for over 75% of the increase. Incidences of unwitnessed cardiac arrests, arrests at home, and pre-hospital deaths were also markedly higher. The surge in OHCA paralleled regional Covid-19 incidence rates, indicating a strong association. The study emphasizes delayed emergency response times and reduced bystander CPR during the outbreak.