Underestimated Role in the Organ Donation Pathway-Paramedics' Attitudes and Knowledge About Donation After Circulatory Death.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare staff working in emergency medical services (EMS) and hospital emergency departments serve a key role in identifying potential donors after cardiac death in Maastricht category II.

METHODS: An anonymous survey available via electronic resources for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) was conducted. The questionnaire included questions about attitudes and knowledge about donation regarding cardiac death (DCD) and organ donation in general. The aim of our study was to prepare content for workshops concerning potential paramedics' roles in the organ donation pathway.

RESULTS: Completed questionnaires were returned by 58 EMTs. In spite of the positive attitude toward donation and the awareness of limitations to end-of-life medical intervention, the level of knowledge on donation after cardiac death procedures is significantly low.

CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, the planned workshops will focus on 3 areas: evidence-based knowledge about prognostic factors in resuscitation; the autoresuscitation phenomenon; and the time frame for each phase of out-of-hospital emergency care. The main goal of the planned workshops will be to prepare EMS personnel for implementation of pro-donation programs.