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Bystander CPR in cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in this country increased by 24 per cent between 2012 and 2024.  Bystander CPR happens when someone who has witnessed or comes across a cardiac arrest steps in to provide CPR. 

Overall, in 2024 there were 2,885 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests where resuscitation continued after the arrival of the Emergency Medical Services.

The figures are contained in the 2024 annual report of the Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Register (OHCAR) which has been published by the National Ambulance Service.

Of the 2,885 patients, 68 per cent were male and the median age was 68 years – patients ranged in age from less than one year to over 100 years of age. Women who suffered a cardiac arrest were on average older by 5 years than men (71 years vs. 66) and the majority or 68 per cent of all cardiac arrests happened in the home.

Of the 2,885 people who suffered an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest where resuscitation was attempted, 232 individuals or 8.0 per cent survived to leave hospital alive, according to the report.

Bystander CPR was attempted in 84% of cardiac arrests in 2024 which were not witnessed by members of the Emergency Medical Services.

Attempted defibrillation before the arrival of Emergency Medical Services has increased to 12% of all patients (n=339/2,885).

Latest figures show that defibrillation was attempted in 962 cases last year and that 35% of those attempts were made prior to the arrival of the Emergency Medical Services (n=339/962), highlighting the valuable life-saving work of First Responders in the community.

First Responders can include members of the general public, off-duty healthcare workers, members of Community First Responder groups, Local Authority Fire Services, voluntary organisations (such as the Irish Red Cross, Order of Malta, St. John Ambulance, and the Irish Coast Guard), auxiliary services such as Civil Defence and members of An Garda Síochána.

Community First Responders and other First Responders play a very important role in supporting the delivery of prehospital emergency care in local communities.

Professor Conor Deasy, Chair of the OHCAR said: “It’s great to see that bystander CPR in cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in this country increased by 24 per cent between 2012 and 2023.  In line with previous years, surviving patients were more likely to be younger and have been witnessed to collapse in a public urban location. Knowing what to do; ring 999/112, put your phone on a speaker while speaking to the 999 Call Taker and start chest compressions.’’

“Members of the public defibrillated 339 patients, of whom 90 survived (27%). This achievement emphasises the importance of Community First Responders and Public Access Defibrillators in saving lives.”

The OHCAR is hosted and funded by the National Ambulance Service (NAS) and captures the work of EMTs, Paramedics and Advanced Paramedics working for the National Ambulance Service, Dublin Fire Brigade and Airport Fire and Rescue Service, Dublin Airport – aiming to improve outcomes in Ireland for this extreme emergency by continuous evidence based performance measurement and feedback to service providers and the broader community.

Last updated on: 24 / 09 / 2025

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