Digital Media in Medical Emergency Response Systems: Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA)

Abstract

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) ranks among the primary causes of unexpected death globally, with survival rates often below 10% unless prompt and effective intervention occurs. Contemporary approaches to managing OHCA increasingly incorporate digital technologies, including mobile apps, telemedicine, and drone systems for delivering automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which promise to enhance the survival chain. This scoping review aimed to survey the literature on digital media types applied in OHCA care, their advantages for patients, and existing research shortcomings, without evaluating study rigor. Adhering to PRISMA-ScR guidelines, it searched six databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from 2020 through October 2025, yielding seven relevant articles from an initial 525. Identified technologies encompass video telemedicine, AED delivery via drones, apps like GoodSAM for alerting responders, and GIS for optimizing drone routes. These innovations improve emergency responses by shortening times and boosting survival odds. Recommendations include interdisciplinary collaborations to refine regulatory frameworks and develop hybrid systems combining drones, telemedicine, and apps for equitable OHCA management, ultimately aiming to elevate global survival rates beyond the current 10%.