Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptomology Associated with Witnessing Unsuccessful Out-of-hospital Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Abstract

Witnessing a failed CPR attempt of a loved one in an out-of-hospital location may be associated with displaying symptoms of PTSD in the early term of the bereavement period. While preliminary, these data suggest that the relationship exists even after controlling for other potential factors that may also affect the propensity for displaying such symptoms, such as the suddenness and location of the patient's cardiac arrest.