Community-Based First Responder Network in Rural Thailand: A Case Study of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Abstract

Recently, the Thai government introduced a novel program to train health volunteers as first responders to deal with increasing acute illness and injuries. This case study demonstrates the potential of this program to improve public access to emergency care through the integration of emergency care with a community-based health care system, specifically in a rural setting. A 39-year-old man collapsed with cardiac arrest in his village. Lay first responders from his neighborhood attended him immediately, administered chest compressions, and contacted Emergency Medical Services (EMS). They continued chest compressions until the EMS unit arrived. While the EMS transported him to the hospital, the patient attained return of spontaneous circulation and consciousness. He returned to his normal life without obvious neurological problems. The Thai strategy to develop a community-based first responder network through health volunteer training would address the issue of inequitable access to emergency care and improve patients' chances of survival and prognoses.