Dispatcher-assisted CPR (DA-CPR), also called telephone CPR or T-CPR, is the process by which an emergency call handler guides a bystander through performing CPR on a person in cardiac arrest while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. It is one of the most impactful interventions in improving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates.
Why it makes a difference
The first minutes after cardiac arrest are critical. For every minute without CPR and defibrillation, survival chances fall by approximately 10%. Most bystanders who witness a cardiac arrest do not attempt CPR, often because they do not feel confident or because they are not sure what is happening. A trained dispatcher can recognise the signs of cardiac arrest, instruct the caller to begin chest compressions immediately, and guide them through the technique in real time.
What the call handler does
When a cardiac arrest is suspected (often identified by the caller reporting that the person has collapsed and is not breathing normally, or is making gasping noises), the dispatcher will:
- Confirm that it is safe to approach the person
- Instruct the caller to check for responsiveness and normal breathing
- Direct the caller to place their hands on the centre of the chest and begin hard, fast compressions
- Count along to help maintain the correct rate (around 100 to 120 compressions per minute)
- Advise on mouth-to-mouth ventilation if appropriate
- Direct the caller to the nearest AED if one is available
Evidence
Studies consistently show that dispatcher-assisted CPR significantly increases the proportion of cardiac arrests in which bystander CPR is performed, which in turn improves survival. Emergency dispatch systems in the UK are trained to provide T-CPR as standard practice.
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