Witnessed cardiopulmonary resuscitation: Initial factors associated with the indication of psychological follow-up in relatives

Introduction Prehospital cardiac arrest (PCA) is currently considered to be an important issue in public health, where not only PCA patients need immediate care, but their environment does as well, both immediately and in the following months. Objectives To describe the characteristics of both PCA patients and the reactions of close relatives seen by the team of emergency psychologists. To analyse independent predictors, which are measurable in prehospital care, that are associated with an indication for follow-up reported by an emergency psychologist. Method Observational, retrospective, analytical study. Cardiac arrest patients seen by SAMUR-PC (emergency services) in 2013 with close relatives present during cardiopulmonary resuscitation manoeuvres. Results Eighty-eight of 210 recorded PCA cases had close relatives present. Independent factors associated with follow-up indications reported by an emergency psychologist are: Female relative (OR 6.27 (95%CI: 1.66-23.5]) and number of intense reactions shown by the relative (OR 4.55 [95%CI: 2.11-9.83]). Conclusions Relatives’ reactions after witnessing cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed on a loved one are broad and diverse. Female gender and presenting a greater number of reactions immediately after the event are independently associated with the indication for psychological follow-up.