Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare key indicators related to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) between the national average and the Chungcheong region in the Republic of Korea, using 2023 national OHCA surveillance data. The intent was to provide data to help develop regionally tailored OHCA management strategies. METHODS: We analyzed raw data from the 2023 OHCA survey conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. The study involved 33,402 patients nationwide and 4,260 patients from the Chungcheong region: Daejeon (792), Sejong (158), Chungbuk (1,451), and Chungnam (1,859). OHCA incidence rates, survival outcomes, neurological recovery rates, and general patient characteristics were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. RESULTS: The national OHCA incidence was 65.7 per 100,000 individuals. Rates were lower in Daejeon (55.1) and Sejong (41.1) but higher in Chungbuk (91.4) and Chungnam (87.9). Sejong exhibited higher survival and neurological recovery rates than the national average. The OHCA incidence was higher among male and older individuals. More than 70% of the OHCA cases were attributed to disease-related causes. Witnessed cardiac arrest rates were higher across the Chungcheong region. Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was most frequent in Sejong (39.1%) and least frequent in Chungnam (18.1%). CONCLUSIONS: In 2023, OHCA incidence, survival, and neurological recovery rates improved across the Chungcheong region, although regional disparities remained. Given demographic and structural differences, region-specific strategies are required. Enhancing bystander CPR through education and reinforcing community-based emergency response systems are both critical for improving outcomes.