[Cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed by laymen--the Nord-Gudbrandsdal Project--circulatory arrest in sparsely populated regions]. / Hjerte-lunge-redning foretatt av lekfolk--Prosjekt Nord-Gudbrandsdal--sirkulasjonsstans i grisgrendte strøk.

Previous investigations from densely populated areas have shown that more patients with prehospital circulatory arrest caused by ischemic heart disease can be successfully treated by strengthening a chain of survival. This chain consists of immediate alarm followed by prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation, early defibrillation and advanced medical support before transportation to hospital. This paper describes the methods used in the training of lay people in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as well as how ambulance personnel were trained to use a semiautomatic defibrillator. During the period 1987-89 11.7% of the inhabitants in Nord-Gudbrandsdal attended a course in heart lung resuscitation and all the ambulance personnel were trained and certified to use Heartstart 2000 semiautomatic defibrillators.

[Results of treatment--the Nord-Gudbrandsdal Project--circulatory collapse in sparsely populated regions]. / Resultater av behandling--Prosjekt Nord-Gudbrandsdal--sirkulasjonsstans i grisgrendte strøk.

In Project Nord-Gudbrandsdal we aimed to reduce prehospital mortality from myocardial infarction in a sparsely populated area. The ambulance system consisted of local ambulances with semi-automatic defibrillators (the ambulance personnel were trained in the use of these), combined with advanced medical support from the local doctor and/or the air ambulance doctor. During the three-year period (1987-89) 75 prehospital cardiac arrests were observed in a population of 22,000 inhabitants. 12 patients with ventricular fibrillation were defibrillated, and eight primarily with success. Four patients were discharged from hospital in a satisfactory condition. We discuss the factors determining successful resuscitation.