Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium

Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium

The Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) is a clinical research network that focuses on improving outcomes for patients who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and severe traumatic injury. Established in 2004, the ROC conducts large-scale, multi-center clinical trials to evaluate prehospital interventions and strategies aimed at enhancing survival rates and neurological outcomes.

Number of cardiac arrests in 2008

History

The ROC was initiated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in collaboration with the United States Department of Defense and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The consortium was created to address the need for rigorous scientific evaluation of prehospital emergency care practices, which had previously been limited by the challenges of conducting research in emergency settings.

Structure

The ROC is composed of a network of regional clinical centers across the United States and Canada. Each center collaborates with local emergency medical services (EMS) agencies, hospitals, and academic institutions to conduct research. The consortium's coordinating center is responsible for data management, statistical analysis, and overall project coordination.

Research Focus

The primary focus of the ROC is to improve survival rates and neurological outcomes for patients who suffer from OHCA and severe traumatic injuries. The consortium conducts randomized controlled trials and observational studies to evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions, such as:

• Advanced airway management techniques
• Use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs)
• Administration of medications during resuscitation
• Implementation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) protocols

Cardiac arrest survival rates

Key Studies

Some of the notable studies conducted by the ROC include:

• The "Hypertonic Resuscitation Following Traumatic Injury" trial, which evaluated the use of hypertonic saline solutions in patients with traumatic brain injury and hemorrhagic shock.
• The "Amiodarone, Lidocaine or Placebo Study" (ALPS), which compared the effectiveness of amiodarone, lidocaine, and placebo in improving survival to hospital discharge after OHCA.

Impact

The research conducted by the ROC has significantly contributed to the understanding of prehospital care and has influenced guidelines and protocols used by EMS providers worldwide. The consortium's findings have led to changes in resuscitation practices, such as the emphasis on high-quality CPR and the use of AEDs in public settings.

Challenges

Conducting research in the prehospital setting presents unique challenges, including:

• Ethical considerations related to obtaining informed consent in emergency situations
• Variability in EMS systems and protocols across different regions
• Logistical difficulties in coordinating multi-center trials

Future Directions

The ROC continues to explore new areas of research, including the use of novel technologies and strategies to improve resuscitation outcomes. Future studies may focus on personalized medicine approaches, the integration of mobile health technologies, and the development of predictive models for patient outcomes.

Related Pages

• Cardiac arrest
• Emergency medical services
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Traumatic brain injury