Role of Identification in Bystander Intervention in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Retrospective Analysis and a Novel Student-Led CPR Training Initiative

Author

• Suhas Patil, University of South AlabamaFollow

Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Degree Name

BS

Department

Biomedical Sciences

Faculty Mentor

Nancy A. Rice, Ph.D.

Advisor(s)

Jason Brooks, Ph.D. and Peyton McElroy, Ph.D.

Abstract

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains a leading cause of mortality, with survival heavily dependent on early bystander recognition and intervention. Despite advances in resuscitation science, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use remain inconsistent, highlighting critical gaps in both recognition and response. This thesis addresses these gaps through a two-part investigation examining (1) the role of bystander identification in pre-emergency medical services intervention and (2) the effectiveness of a novel, student-led, university-based CPR and AED training model. In the first study, a retrospective analysis of a national dataset was conducted, including 274,068 confirmed OHCA cases. Regression analysis shows correct bystander identification of cardiac arrest was associated with nearly a twofold increase in the odds of bystander intervention. These findings highlight bystander recognition of OHCA as a critical and potentially modifiable factor in improving early OHCA management, providing the framework for the second study, where a student-led CPR and AED training program, the CPR Initiative, was implemented at the University of South Alabama. A total of 775 freshmen undergraduate students were trained using an American Heart Association hands-only CPR video-curriculum. Post-training surveys indicated significant improvements in knowledge and self-efficacy among participants, with peer-facilitators being highly rated. Collectively, this work demonstrates that bystander recognition of OHCA plays a critical role in bystander intervention and that student-led, university-based training programs can effectively improve both knowledge and confidence among bystanders.

Recommended Citation

Patil, Suhas, "Role of Identification in Bystander Intervention in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Retrospective Analysis and a Novel Student-Led CPR Training Initiative" (2026). Honors Theses. 173.
https://jagworks.southalabama.edu/honors_college_theses/173