Table 1 Published 2-CHEER Study eCPR Eligibility Criteria

• Patients with OHCA refractory to CCPR were eligible for

ECPR if they were aged 12–70 years, AND

Patients were excluded if there was active bleeding, if it was known that the patient did not want to receive invasive resuscitation, or if the patient had a pre-existing comorbidity and/or functional limitation such that it would prevent a future return to independent life

1. The cardiac arrest was likely to be of primary cardiac or respiratory cause (including myocardial depression secondary to hypothermia or drug effects)

2. The cardiac arrest was witnessed AND chest compressions commenced within 10 min

3. Initial cardiac rhythm of ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia

4. Immediate availability of a mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) device with paramedic staff; AND

1. The cardiac arrest duration (collapse to arrival time at the ED less than 60 min