Defining the terminology of first responders alerted for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by medical dispatch centres: An international consensus study on nomenclature

Aim

Emergency medical services target to reduce time to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation by alerting additional individuals to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Multiple terms are used to describe these individuals, potentially causing confusion and hindering comparisons. This international consensus study aimed to establish standardised terminology.

Methods

Forty-six interdisciplinary researchers from four continents participated in a symposium on “Community First Responders” with the objective of standardising relevant terminology. Initially, terms were proposed anonymously for individuals alerted during work hours and those alerted during leisure time. Each term was rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Terms receiving a high level of agreement were included in the final voting process.

Results

Seven terms were suggested for individuals alerted during work hours. In the first voting “first responder”, “professional first responder”, and “on-duty first responder” achieved high agreement. Ultimately, consensus was reached on the term “on-duty first responder”.

For individuals alerted during leisure time, ten terms were proposed. Among these, “first responder”, “citizen first responder”, “community emergency responder”, “community first responder”, “volunteer first responder”, “volunteer responder”, and “volunteer community first responder” reached high agreement. In the final vote “community first responder” was selected.

The consensus group agreed that the overarching term “first responder” should be used to describe all community-based individuals, who are alerted, regardless of whether they are on duty or off duty.

Conclusion

This consensus study recommends using the terms “on-duty first responder” and “community first responder” to describe individuals additionally alerted by medical dispatch centres to facilitate early intervention in OHCA.