Objective: To study the outcome of victims of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest presenting to the Metropolitan Ambulance Service in asystole, in Melbourne, Australia.
Methods: A retrospective case-note review of all patients presenting to the Metropolitan Ambulance Service in asystole for 1997 was performed. Metropolitan Ambulance Service case notes and hospital records were examined to determine the presenting rhythm and the patients' outcome.
Results: In a 12-month period, 778 patients met the entry criteria. Age mean was 67 years, 36% female, 64% male. Metropolitan Ambulance Service response time to scene time was a mean of 9.76 min. Resuscitation was commenced on 37% of patients. There was one survivor (0.12%).
Conclusion: Adult victims of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest presenting as asystole should not receive treatment.