Evaluating Dispatcher-Assisted CPR: A Global Systematic Review and Observational Study in Asir, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This thesis evaluates the impact of Dispatcher-Assisted Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DACPR) on bystander CPR rates and patient outcomes following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The first part is a systematic review of 17 studies from Asia, Europe, and North America, demonstrating increased bystander CPR and improved survival outcomes associated with DACPR. The second part is a retrospective observational study conducted in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia, which assessed call recognition, language-related delays, and early outcomes using linked dispatch and EMS data. Findings show that language and dispatcher qualifications influence recognition time and early survival indicators. The study highlights the need for improved training and multilingual protocols in Saudi EMS systems.