1Department of General Surgery, Anesthesiology, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine, Medical Academy named after S.I. Georgievsky of V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Russia
2Regional Government Hospital, Una, India
3Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
4The full list of the Delphi Study Investigators is listed in the Acknowledgments
Copyright © 2023 The Korean Society of Emergency Medicine
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).
ETHICS STATEMENT
Not applicable.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Bernd W. Böttiger is board member and treasurer of the European Resuscitation Council (ERC), chairman of the German Resuscitation Council (GRC), federal state doctor of the German Red Cross, member of the Advanced Life Support (ALS) Task Force of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR), board member of the German Interdisciplinary Association for Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine (DIVI), founder of the German Resuscitation Foundation, founder of the ERC Research NET, co-editor of Resuscitation, editor of Notfall+Rettungsmedizin, and co-editor of the Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology. He received fees for lectures from the following companies: Forum für medizinische Fortbildung (FomF), Baxalta Deutschland GmbH, ZOLL Medical Deutschland GmbH, C.R. Bard GmbH, GS Elektromedizinische Geräte G. Stemple GmbH, Novartis Pharma GmbH, Philips GmbH Market DACH, and Bioscience Valuation BSV GmbH. No other potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.
FUNDING
None.
AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS
Conceptualization: AB; Data curation: all authors; Formal analysis: AB, AG; Investigation: all authors; Methodology: AB, AG, BWB; Project administration: AB, BWB; Supervision: AB; Validation: AB, AG; Writing–original draft: AB; Writing–review & editing: AG, BWB, the Delphi Study Investigators. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
| Checklist item | Experts who rated ≥7 points (%) |
|---|---|
| Safety | |
| Does the resource state that the rescuer should make sure that he/she, victim, and any bystanders are safe? | 100 |
| Does the resource instruct to use personal protective equipment (e.g., face mask, gloves) if available?a) | 70 |
| Recognition | |
| Is cardiac arrest defined as a state when a person is unresponsive with absent or abnormal (agonal) breathing? | 93 |
| Response check: does the resource instruct to shake gently by shoulders and ask loudly to examine if the victim is responsive? | 95 |
| Victim’s position: does the resource instruct to position the victim on their back if unresponsive? | 83 |
| Airway opening | |
| Is there instruction for head tilt maneuver? | 90 |
| Is there instruction for chin lift maneuver? | 90 |
| Breathing check | |
| Does the resource instruct to look for breathing? | 93 |
| Is it clear that the rescuer should use a maximum of 10 sec to check breathing? | 88 |
| Agonal breathing | |
| Does the resource state that agonal breathing should be interpreted a sign of cardiac arrest? | 93 |
| Does the resource describe agonal breathing pattern (e.g., infrequent, slow, noisy gasps, labored breathing)? | 83 |
| Seizure-like activity: does the resource state that seizure-like activity could be a sign of cardiac arrest?a) | 58 |
| Call for help | |
| Call EMS | |
| Does the resource state that the rescuer should immediately ask a helper to call EMS or call themselves when recognising cardiac arrest? | 98 |
| Does the resource instruct to use speaker function (hands-free) on a telephone to start CPR whilst talking to a dispatcher? | 88 |
| Send for AED | |
| Does the resource instruct to ask a helper to collect nearest AED? | 93 |
| Does the resource state that the rescuer should not leave the victim to collect AED themselves (excepting cases when the rescuer is alone and AED is located close at hand)? | 80 |
| Chest compression | |
| Does the resource instruct to start compressions as soon as possible? | 98 |
| Rescuer’s position | |
| Does the resource instruct the rescuer to position themselves next to (by the side of) the victim? | 83 |
| Does the resource instruct to keep arms straight? | 100 |
| Does the resource instruct the rescuer to position themselves vertically above the victim’s chest? | 100 |
| Firm surface: does the resource instruct to perform compressions on a firm surface if it is possible and not time-demanding? | 78 |
| Hand position | |
| Does the resource instruct to place the heel of one hand at the centre of the chest (lower half of the breastbone)? | 98 |
| Does the resource instruct to place the heel of other hand on top of the first hand and interlock fingers? | 80 |
| Compressions depth: does the resource state the correct depth is 5–6 cm? | 95 |
| Compressions rate: does the resource state the correct rate is 100–120 per minute? | 100 |
| Chest recoil: does the resource instruct to ensure chest recoil after each compression (release pressure on the chest without losing contact with the chest)? | 95 |
| Minimization of pauses: does the resource state that any pauses in chest compressions should be minimized? | 98 |
| Rescuer change: does the resource state that if possible rescuers should change over about every 2 minutes (without interrupting chest compressions) to prevent a decrease in compression quality due to rescuer fatigue? | 83 |
| Rescue breathing | |
| Compression to ventilation ratio: does the resource instruct to use compression to ventilation ratio of 30:2? | 98 |
| Airway opening | |
| Is it clear that the rescuer should open airways again prior to ventilation? | 90 |
| Does the resource instruct to maintain head tilt and chin lift during rescue breathing? | 83 |
| Nasal pinch: does the resource instruct to pinch the nose prior to ventilation? | 80 |
| Sealing: does the resource instruct to place lips around the victim’s mouth ensuring airtight seal? | 80 |
| Ventilations | |
| Does the resource state that each rescue breath should last about 1 second? | 75 |
| Does the resource instruct to give a normal breath volume (avoid excessive ventilation)? | 78 |
| Does the resource instruct to look for chest rise? | 90 |
| Does the resource state that the rescuer should take mouth away and turn their head towards the victim’s chest to allow and check for passive exhalation? | 78 |
| Does the resource instruct to give a total of two rescue breaths? | 90 |
| Resume compressions: does the resource instruct to resume compressions immediately after the second breath (even if breaths are ineffective)? | 93 |
| Minimum pause: does the resource state that compressions shouldn’t be interrupted for more than 10 sec to deliver two rescue breaths? | 85 |
| Defibrillation | |
| Turn AED on: does the resource instruct to turn on AED as soon as it arrives? | 95 |
| Attach electrodes: does the resource instruct to attach electrodes to the victim’s bare chest? | 93 |
| Remove electrodes protection: does the resource instruct to remove protective film from electrodes before attaching them to the victim’s chest?a) | 45 |
| Electrodes position: does the resource describe correct position for electrodes on the victim’s chest? | 85 |
| Continue CPR: does the resource instruct to continue CPR whilst AED is prepared if more than one rescuer is present? | 95 |
| Follow instructions: is it clear that rescuers should follow spoken and visual instructions of AED? | 95 |
| Do not touch | |
| Analysis: it is clear that bystanders cannot be in physical contact with the victim during analysis? | 93 |
| Shock: it is clear that bystanders cannot be in physical contact with the victim when applying shock? | 93 |
| Resume CPR: does the resource state that after shock (or if no shock is advised) the rescuer should immediately resume CPR and continue as directed by AED? | 98 |
| Minimum pause: does the resource state that long pauses in compressions should be avoided when applying and using AED? | 88 |
| Continuation of CPR | |
| Does the resource state that CPR should be continuous until a professional tells to stop, the rescuer is exhausted or the victim recovers? | 93 |
| Does the resource describe signs of victim’s recovery (waking up, moving, opening eyes and for sure breathing normally)? | 75 |
| Recovery position | |
| Does the resource instruct to place the victim in recovery position if the victim is breathing normally but unresponsive?a) | 73 |
| Does the resource describe correct technique for placing the victim in recovery position?a) | 68 |
| Does the resource instruct to continuously monitor normal breathing for the victim placed in recovery position? | 88 |
| Choking | |
| Recognition | |
| Does the resource instruct to suspect choking if someone is suddenly unable to speak or talk, particularly if eating? | 78 |
| Does the resource instruct to ask the conscious victim “Are you choking?”a) | 63 |
| Call for help: does the resource state that the rescuer should immediately ask a helper to call EMS or call themselves when recognising severe choking? | 80 |
| Coughing: does the resource instruct to encourage coughing when the victim is conscious and able to cough? | 85 |
| Back blows | |
| Does the resource instruct to give up to five back blows if coughing fails to clear the obstruction or the victim starts to show signs of fatigue? | 88 |
| Does the resource describe correct technique for back blows? | 85 |
| Abdominal thrusts | |
| Does the resource instruct to give up to five abdominal thrusts if back blows are ineffective? | 80 |
| Does the resource describe correct technique for abdominal thrusts? | 78 |
| Continue blows and thrusts: does the resource instruct to continue series of five back blows followed by five abdominal thrusts if prior measures are ineffective?a) | 73 |
| Start CPR: does the resource instruct to start CPR when the victim is unconscious with absent or abnormal breathing? | 95 |
| Look for and remove foreign material: does the resource instruct to look for a foreign material in the victim’s mouth and if visible, remove it?a) | 73 |
| Avoid blind finger sweep: does the resource state that blind finger sweep should be avoided? | 88 |
| Aftercare: is it clear that the victim successfully treated with abdominal thrusts or chest compressions should be examined by a qualified healthcare practitioner? | 75 |
| Epidemic outbreak situation (e.g., COVID-19) | |
| Does the resource provide guidance on CPR in epidemic outbreak situations (e.g., during COVID-19 pandemic)? | 75 |
| Recognition: does the resource instruct to avoid opening airways and placing face next to the victims’ mouth or nose for breathing check?a) | 63 |
| Compression-only CPR: does the resource state that lay rescuers should consider compression-only CPR and AED? | 83 |
| Ventilations: does the resource state that lay rescuers who are willing, trained and able to do so, may deliver rescue breaths in addition to compressions?a) | 73 |
| Face covering: does the resource instruct to place a cloth, towel, or face mask over the victim’s mouth and nose before performing compressions and using AED?a) | 58 |
| Disinfection: does the resource state that after providing CPR, lay rescuers should wash or disinfect their hands?a) | 68 |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Concerns of harm: does the resource state that lay rescuers should initiate CPR for presumed cardiac arrest without concerns of harm to victims not in cardiac arrest? | 90 |
| Other concerns: does the resource address other barriers to bystanders’ willingness to perform CPR (e.g., fear of prosecution, infection, etc.)? | 78 |
| Compression-only CPR: does the resource state that bystanders who are untrained, unable or unwilling to give rescue breaths should give continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths? | 95 |
| Dispatcher-assisted CPR: does the resource address the concept of dispatcher-assisted CPR (in particular, that lay rescuer can actively ask for the assistance)? | 85 |
| Excessive actions: does the resource instruct to perform any superfluous actions that are noncompliant with current guidelines on BLS? (If yes, please include corresponding citation(s) from the resource below)a) | 58 |
| Characteristic | No. (%) |
|---|---|
| Country of residence | |
| Australia | 1 (2.4) |
| Austria | 1 (2.4) |
| Belgium | 1 (2.4) |
| Canada | 1 (2.4) |
| Cyprus | 2 (4.8) |
| Denmark | 1 (2.4) |
| France | 2 (4.8) |
| Germany | 5 (11.9) |
| Greece | 4 (9.5) |
| India | 1 (2.4) |
| Italy | 3 (7.1) |
| Malta | 1 (2.4) |
| Norway | 1 (2.4) |
| Peru | 1 (2.4) |
| Poland | 1 (2.4) |
| Russia | 3 (7.1) |
| Saudi Arabia | 1 (2.4) |
| Serbia | 1 (2.4) |
| Slovenia | 2 (4.8) |
| South Africa | 1 (2.4) |
| Spain | 1 (2.4) |
| Sri Lanka | 1 (2.4) |
| Switzerland | 2 (4.8) |
| UK | 3 (7.1) |
| USA | 1 (2.4) |
| Field of specialization | |
| Anesthesiology | 6 (14.3) |
| Anesthesiology and emergency medicine | 1 (2.4) |
| Anesthesiology and intensive care | 3 (7.1) |
| Anesthesiology, intensive care, and emergency medicine | 1 (2.4) |
| Anesthesiology, intensive care, and medical education | 1 (2.4) |
| Anesthesiology and medical education | 1 (2.4) |
| Anesthesiology, resuscitation, and emergency medicine | 1 (2.4) |
| Cardiac anesthesia and resuscitation education | 1 (2.4) |
| Cardiology | 2 (4.8) |
| Critical care nursing education | 1 (2.4) |
| Critical care and prehospital emergency medicine | 1 (2.4) |
| Emergency medicine | 7 (16.7) |
| Emergency medicine and intensive care nursing | 1 (2.4) |
| Emergency medicine and intensive care | 1 (2.4) |
| Health economics | 1 (2.4) |
| Intensive care | 5 (11.9) |
| Intensive care and pedagogy | 1 (2.4) |
| Internal medicine | 1 (2.4) |
| Internal medicine, intensive care, emergency medicine | 1 (2.4) |
| Lifesaving, BLS, and physical education | 1 (2.4) |
| Medical education and emergency medicine | 1 (2.4) |
| Nursing | 1 (2.4) |
| Nursing, science, and education | 1 (2.4) |
| Prehospital care and critical care retrieval | 1 (2.4) |
| Highest academic (professional) degree | |
| Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery | 2 (4.8) |
| Critical care assistant | 1 (2.4) |
| Doctor of Medical Science | 1 (2.4) |
| Doctor of Medicine | 19 (45.2) |
| Doctor of Philosophy | 12 (28.6) |
| Master of Medical Education | 2 (4.8) |
| Master of Science | 3 (7.1) |
| Master of Science in Nursing | 1 (2.4) |
| Registered nurse | 1 (2.4) |
| Provider certification | |
| BLS | 35 (83.3) |
| ALS | 35 (83.3) |
| PALS | 11 (26.2) |
| Absent | 4 (9.5) |
| Instructor certification | |
| BLS | 30 (71.4) |
| ALS | 31 (73.8) |
| PALS | 8 (19) |
| Absent | 6 (14.3) |
| Experience of participation in Delphi studies | |
| Yes | 22 (52.4) |
| No | 20 (47.6) |
| Checklist item | Experts who rated ≥7 points (%) |
|---|---|
| Safety | |
| Does the resource state that the rescuer should make sure that he/she, victim, and any bystanders are safe? | 100 |
| Does the resource instruct to use personal protective equipment (e.g., face mask, gloves) if available?a) | 70 |
| Recognition | |
| Is cardiac arrest defined as a state when a person is unresponsive with absent or abnormal (agonal) breathing? | 93 |
| Response check: does the resource instruct to shake gently by shoulders and ask loudly to examine if the victim is responsive? | 95 |
| Victim’s position: does the resource instruct to position the victim on their back if unresponsive? | 83 |
| Airway opening | |
| Is there instruction for head tilt maneuver? | 90 |
| Is there instruction for chin lift maneuver? | 90 |
| Breathing check | |
| Does the resource instruct to look for breathing? | 93 |
| Is it clear that the rescuer should use a maximum of 10 sec to check breathing? | 88 |
| Agonal breathing | |
| Does the resource state that agonal breathing should be interpreted a sign of cardiac arrest? | 93 |
| Does the resource describe agonal breathing pattern (e.g., infrequent, slow, noisy gasps, labored breathing)? | 83 |
| Seizure-like activity: does the resource state that seizure-like activity could be a sign of cardiac arrest?a) | 58 |
| Call for help | |
| Call EMS | |
| Does the resource state that the rescuer should immediately ask a helper to call EMS or call themselves when recognising cardiac arrest? | 98 |
| Does the resource instruct to use speaker function (hands-free) on a telephone to start CPR whilst talking to a dispatcher? | 88 |
| Send for AED | |
| Does the resource instruct to ask a helper to collect nearest AED? | 93 |
| Does the resource state that the rescuer should not leave the victim to collect AED themselves (excepting cases when the rescuer is alone and AED is located close at hand)? | 80 |
| Chest compression | |
| Does the resource instruct to start compressions as soon as possible? | 98 |
| Rescuer’s position | |
| Does the resource instruct the rescuer to position themselves next to (by the side of) the victim? | 83 |
| Does the resource instruct to keep arms straight? | 100 |
| Does the resource instruct the rescuer to position themselves vertically above the victim’s chest? | 100 |
| Firm surface: does the resource instruct to perform compressions on a firm surface if it is possible and not time-demanding? | 78 |
| Hand position | |
| Does the resource instruct to place the heel of one hand at the centre of the chest (lower half of the breastbone)? | 98 |
| Does the resource instruct to place the heel of other hand on top of the first hand and interlock fingers? | 80 |
| Compressions depth: does the resource state the correct depth is 5–6 cm? | 95 |
| Compressions rate: does the resource state the correct rate is 100–120 per minute? | 100 |
| Chest recoil: does the resource instruct to ensure chest recoil after each compression (release pressure on the chest without losing contact with the chest)? | 95 |
| Minimization of pauses: does the resource state that any pauses in chest compressions should be minimized? | 98 |
| Rescuer change: does the resource state that if possible rescuers should change over about every 2 minutes (without interrupting chest compressions) to prevent a decrease in compression quality due to rescuer fatigue? | 83 |
| Rescue breathing | |
| Compression to ventilation ratio: does the resource instruct to use compression to ventilation ratio of 30:2? | 98 |
| Airway opening | |
| Is it clear that the rescuer should open airways again prior to ventilation? | 90 |
| Does the resource instruct to maintain head tilt and chin lift during rescue breathing? | 83 |
| Nasal pinch: does the resource instruct to pinch the nose prior to ventilation? | 80 |
| Sealing: does the resource instruct to place lips around the victim’s mouth ensuring airtight seal? | 80 |
| Ventilations | |
| Does the resource state that each rescue breath should last about 1 second? | 75 |
| Does the resource instruct to give a normal breath volume (avoid excessive ventilation)? | 78 |
| Does the resource instruct to look for chest rise? | 90 |
| Does the resource state that the rescuer should take mouth away and turn their head towards the victim’s chest to allow and check for passive exhalation? | 78 |
| Does the resource instruct to give a total of two rescue breaths? | 90 |
| Resume compressions: does the resource instruct to resume compressions immediately after the second breath (even if breaths are ineffective)? | 93 |
| Minimum pause: does the resource state that compressions shouldn’t be interrupted for more than 10 sec to deliver two rescue breaths? | 85 |
| Defibrillation | |
| Turn AED on: does the resource instruct to turn on AED as soon as it arrives? | 95 |
| Attach electrodes: does the resource instruct to attach electrodes to the victim’s bare chest? | 93 |
| Remove electrodes protection: does the resource instruct to remove protective film from electrodes before attaching them to the victim’s chest?a) | 45 |
| Electrodes position: does the resource describe correct position for electrodes on the victim’s chest? | 85 |
| Continue CPR: does the resource instruct to continue CPR whilst AED is prepared if more than one rescuer is present? | 95 |
| Follow instructions: is it clear that rescuers should follow spoken and visual instructions of AED? | 95 |
| Do not touch | |
| Analysis: it is clear that bystanders cannot be in physical contact with the victim during analysis? | 93 |
| Shock: it is clear that bystanders cannot be in physical contact with the victim when applying shock? | 93 |
| Resume CPR: does the resource state that after shock (or if no shock is advised) the rescuer should immediately resume CPR and continue as directed by AED? | 98 |
| Minimum pause: does the resource state that long pauses in compressions should be avoided when applying and using AED? | 88 |
| Continuation of CPR | |
| Does the resource state that CPR should be continuous until a professional tells to stop, the rescuer is exhausted or the victim recovers? | 93 |
| Does the resource describe signs of victim’s recovery (waking up, moving, opening eyes and for sure breathing normally)? | 75 |
| Recovery position | |
| Does the resource instruct to place the victim in recovery position if the victim is breathing normally but unresponsive?a) | 73 |
| Does the resource describe correct technique for placing the victim in recovery position?a) | 68 |
| Does the resource instruct to continuously monitor normal breathing for the victim placed in recovery position? | 88 |
| Choking | |
| Recognition | |
| Does the resource instruct to suspect choking if someone is suddenly unable to speak or talk, particularly if eating? | 78 |
| Does the resource instruct to ask the conscious victim “Are you choking?”a) | 63 |
| Call for help: does the resource state that the rescuer should immediately ask a helper to call EMS or call themselves when recognising severe choking? | 80 |
| Coughing: does the resource instruct to encourage coughing when the victim is conscious and able to cough? | 85 |
| Back blows | |
| Does the resource instruct to give up to five back blows if coughing fails to clear the obstruction or the victim starts to show signs of fatigue? | 88 |
| Does the resource describe correct technique for back blows? | 85 |
| Abdominal thrusts | |
| Does the resource instruct to give up to five abdominal thrusts if back blows are ineffective? | 80 |
| Does the resource describe correct technique for abdominal thrusts? | 78 |
| Continue blows and thrusts: does the resource instruct to continue series of five back blows followed by five abdominal thrusts if prior measures are ineffective?a) | 73 |
| Start CPR: does the resource instruct to start CPR when the victim is unconscious with absent or abnormal breathing? | 95 |
| Look for and remove foreign material: does the resource instruct to look for a foreign material in the victim’s mouth and if visible, remove it?a) | 73 |
| Avoid blind finger sweep: does the resource state that blind finger sweep should be avoided? | 88 |
| Aftercare: is it clear that the victim successfully treated with abdominal thrusts or chest compressions should be examined by a qualified healthcare practitioner? | 75 |
| Epidemic outbreak situation (e.g., COVID-19) | |
| Does the resource provide guidance on CPR in epidemic outbreak situations (e.g., during COVID-19 pandemic)? | 75 |
| Recognition: does the resource instruct to avoid opening airways and placing face next to the victims’ mouth or nose for breathing check?a) | 63 |
| Compression-only CPR: does the resource state that lay rescuers should consider compression-only CPR and AED? | 83 |
| Ventilations: does the resource state that lay rescuers who are willing, trained and able to do so, may deliver rescue breaths in addition to compressions?a) | 73 |
| Face covering: does the resource instruct to place a cloth, towel, or face mask over the victim’s mouth and nose before performing compressions and using AED?a) | 58 |
| Disinfection: does the resource state that after providing CPR, lay rescuers should wash or disinfect their hands?a) | 68 |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Concerns of harm: does the resource state that lay rescuers should initiate CPR for presumed cardiac arrest without concerns of harm to victims not in cardiac arrest? | 90 |
| Other concerns: does the resource address other barriers to bystanders’ willingness to perform CPR (e.g., fear of prosecution, infection, etc.)? | 78 |
| Compression-only CPR: does the resource state that bystanders who are untrained, unable or unwilling to give rescue breaths should give continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths? | 95 |
| Dispatcher-assisted CPR: does the resource address the concept of dispatcher-assisted CPR (in particular, that lay rescuer can actively ask for the assistance)? | 85 |
| Excessive actions: does the resource instruct to perform any superfluous actions that are noncompliant with current guidelines on BLS? (If yes, please include corresponding citation(s) from the resource below)a) | 58 |
BLS, basic life support; ALS, advanced life support; PALS, pediatric advanced life support.
EMS, emergency medical services; AED, automated external defibrillator; CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation; BLS, basic life support.
Checklist items that did not reach expert consensus for inclusion based on results of the second round.