Assessment of Physicians' Knowledge of the Management of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Introduction: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the abrupt loss of heart function and breathing. It is an absolute medical emergency. The management is based on the principle of the chain of survival. The main objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic and therapeutic abilities of physicians on the care of SCA. Material And Method: It was a multicentre, cross-sectional and descriptive analytical study covering the period from September 01st, 2018 to February 30, 2019. Included were all general practitioners, emergency physicians, cardiologists and anesthetists-resuscitators who agreed to complete the survey. The parameters studied were recognition of signs of SCA and the knowledge about the steps of the chain of survival. Results: We included 78 physicians with an average age of 35,16 years. There were 39 generalists and 39 specialists. The three SCA diagnostic criteria were known to 49 physicians (62.8%). More than half of physicians (n = 54, 69.2%) mastered the chronology of the steps of the chain of survival. The rhythm sequence of chest compressions and insufflations was controlled by 56.4% of physicians (n = 44). About the defibrillation, 70,51% (n=55) responded that it was not systematic in front of any SCA. Thirty-eight physicians were aware of the sequence of adrenaline administration. Only 24 doctors knew the time for amiodarone administration. A minority of 10 physicians has been able to fully define the acronym ABCDE. Conclusion: The level of physicans knowledge on the management of sudden cardiac arrest is relatively average. Every physician must be trained in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation in order to save lives.