Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium

Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) was a network of regional clinical centers in the United States and Canada which conducted clinical trials aimed at investigating outcomes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and severe traumatic injury. Established in 2004, the consortium's primary goal was to improve survival rates and outcomes of patients experiencing cardiac arrest or severe traumatic injury outside of hospital settings. The ROC played a pivotal role in emergency medical services (EMS) research by standardizing treatment protocols and implementing large-scale clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of various resuscitation strategies.

Background

Cardiac arrest and severe traumatic injuries are leading causes of death in North America. Prior to the establishment of the ROC, there was a significant variation in resuscitation practices across different regions and a lack of large-scale, evidence-based research to guide protocol development. The ROC was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health (ICRH) of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), among other contributors.

Structure

The consortium consisted of multiple regional clinical centers and a data coordinating center. Each regional center was responsible for coordinating research activities within its network of hospitals, EMS agencies, and other healthcare facilities. The data coordinating center managed the central database, statistical analysis, and overall project coordination.

Research and Impact

The ROC conducted several landmark studies that have contributed to the understanding of resuscitation science. These studies have explored topics such as the effectiveness of different CPR techniques, the use of medications during resuscitation, and the role of early defibrillation in improving survival rates. The findings from ROC studies have informed guidelines and protocols for CPR and emergency cardiovascular care, leading to changes in practice that have improved patient outcomes.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite its successes, the ROC faced challenges related to the ethical considerations of conducting research in emergency situations where obtaining informed consent is difficult. The consortium addressed these concerns by implementing strict ethical guidelines and working closely with institutional review boards.

Conclusion

The Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium significantly advanced the field of resuscitation research by providing high-quality evidence that has shaped current practices in CPR and trauma care. Although the ROC officially concluded its activities, the legacy of its work continues to impact the field of emergency medicine and has set a foundation for future research endeavors.