The Psychological Impact of Attending Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Volunteer Lay Responders: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review

This systematic review investigates the psychological impact of attending out-of-hospital cardiac arrests on volunteer lay responders, specifically examining the incidence of post-traumatic stress symptoms and the factors influencing these outcomes. The findings indicate that while severe psychological effects are rare, mild-to-moderate distress is common and influenced by individual characteristics, situational dynamics, and community support. The authors emphasize the importance of targeted training and structured post-event support to mitigate psychological burdens and enhance the resilience of volunteer responders.