[System for dealing with cardiorespiratory arrest in a general hospital].

The planning, implementation and initial results of a system of attention to cardiorespiratory arrest developed in the Hospital Clinic i Provincial of Barcelona are reported. After an analysis of the preceding situation, a system based on the three following fundamental points was put into effect: 1) training of the health staff in basic resuscitation techniques; 2) creation of a cardiorespiratory arrest team; and 3) material, background and coordination of the system. During the initial 10 months of operation of the system overall 91 instances of cardiorespiratory arrest were treated. The patients' mean age was 63.3 +/- 19 years; 50 of them (54%) initially recovered and 14 (15%) could be discharged from the hospital. The interval until the arrival of a member of the team was 1.83 +/- 1.11 minutes. A survey in the wards and services of the hospital revealed a large degree of satisfaction and acceptance of the system.