ABSTRACT
Experience and the significance of cardiopulmonary arrest on arrival (CPAOA) for residents were examined through an investigation of 47 cases of CPAOA at the department of emergency medicine of Saga Medical School Hospital from December 1, 1996, through November 30, 1997. Causes of CPAOA, outcomes, issuance of death certificates or inspection certificates, and whether a judicial inspection was performed were analyzed in each case. The cause of CPAOA was intrinsic in 31 cases and extrinsic in 16 cases. Eleven patients were admitted, one of whom recovered completely. Death certificates were issued in 25 cases, of which 7 underwent judicial inspection. Inspection certificates were issued in 21 cases, all of which underwent judicial inspection. Twenty-nine residents received 3 months of clinical training in the emergency department. The percentages of residents who encountered cases of CPAOA, CPAOA caused by extrinsic factors, cases in which inspection certificates were issued, and cases in which judicial inspection was done were 51.7%, 79.3%, 82.8%, and 89.7%, respectively. These findings show that residents receive practical experience in our department of emergency medicine.