Could Hands-Only CPR be just as good as standard CPR?

NCT ID NCT03981107

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Karolinska Institutet Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study compares two types of CPR for people who have a cardiac arrest outside a hospital: hands-only CPR (chest compressions without rescue breaths) versus standard CPR (compressions plus rescue breaths). The trial will include over 3,000 adults whose cardiac arrest is witnessed and who have a bystander with prior CPR training. The goal is to see if hands-only CPR is at least as effective as standard CPR at helping people survive for 30 days.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Chest compression only CPR (hands-only CPR)
What this could lead to: If hands-only CPR works as well as standard CPR, it could simplify training and encourage more bystanders to act, potentially saving more lives from cardiac arrest.
What could go wrong: This is a large trial, but it only includes trained bystanders and witnessed arrests. Results may not apply to all situations, and hands-only CPR might be less effective for certain causes of cardiac arrest.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cardiac arrest Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CARDIAC ARREST CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION OUT-OF-HOSPITAL CARDIAC ARREST

Contacts and locations

Locations

AREU, Agenzia Regionale Emergenza Urgenza
RECRUITING

Bergamo, Italy
SOS Alarm AB
RECRUITING

Stockholm, Sweden

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