Evaluation of a pilot Support Service for Members of the Public (Bystanders) Involved in ‘Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest’

Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland have received funding from the Scottish Government to pilot a new Support Service for Members of the Public (Bystanders) Involved in ‘Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest’ (OHCA). Being an OHCA bystander can be a traumatic event life changing event. This project aims to improve the well-being of OHCA bystanders by providing information and support.,
The aims of the evaluation will be:
1. Describe how the of Out of hospital cardiac arrest bystander support service was developed and is currently delivered
2. Evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of the support service
3. Explore the problems and needs of bystanders and those supporting bystanders

Data collection:
1) Quantitative data collection will include details of the phone calls (e.g. length of calls), demographic characteristics of bystanders using the service (where GDPR consent is gained) and data on promotion of the support service (website traffic, number of cards given out at OHCAs).
A follow-up REDCap survey will by email to bystanders with questions about the service (utility, improvements etc).

2)Qualitative interviews will be conducted with:
- the clinical team providing the support service,
- first responders at the scene of OHCAs and
- bystanders who have participated in the support service