Cardiac Arrest Documentation. . . What do I choose?

NEMSIS requires Cardiac Arrest documentation if the arrest occurs during the EMS event.

The EMS event is the span of time that starts when our dispatch center receives the call until the crew transfers care.    Below are several graphics that should help you understand the requirement.    

If the Cardiac Arrest occurred between the PSAP Time and Arrived Patient Time you should document "Yes, Prior to Arrival."

If the Cardiac Arrest occurred between the Arrived at Patient Time and Transfer of Care you should document "Yes, After Crew Arrival."

If the patient had ROSC PTA and it is an Interfacility Call you should document "No" per NEMSIS (See response from NEMSIS below):

There is one more situation that may occur. . . .

Only one Cardiac Arrest can be documented in the Cardiac Arrest section.   So what should you do if the patient arrests during both phases (PTA and after your arrival)?   You should choose "Yes, After Crew Arrival" and document the arrest that occurred after you made contact with the patient because you have first hand knowledge of the entire cardiac arrest event.