Are radiologists able to manage serious anaphylactic reactions and cardiopulmonary arrest?

In this study, we aimed to assess the ability and confidence of radiologists in managing adult life support in cardiopulmonary arrest and acute anaphylaxis reactions. We used a questionnaire survey assessing the knowledge of how to manage and the confidence in managing an adult cardiorespiratory arrest scenario. This was sent to 165 radiology consultants and registrars in 6 NHS trusts in Yorkshire: 105 participated. The questionnaire elicited basic demographic details and included eight questions aimed at assessing recent training, knowledge and confidence in the management of adult resuscitation (Resuscitation Council (UK) 2005 guidelines) and acute anaphylaxis. Despite the fact that 90% of participants stated that they would feel confident to initiate life support, the average score from the questions assessing life support procedure was 2.3 out of 5, with only 13% of participants answering all questions correctly. There was no correlation between grade of radiologist and likelihood of a correct answer, nor was there a correlation between feeling confident and knowing the correct life support procedure. Flaws in training were highlighted, with only 61% of radiologists having attended a life support course in the last 4 years. Those who had attended a course more recently were more likely to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation correctly (p = 0.02). Individuals who were confident in initialising cardiopulmonary resuscitation were more likely to be confident that other members of staff could assist them (p = 0.028). This study emphasises the need for regular life support training and the need to alter the attitude of radiologists, who must consider it their role to initiate effective life support in the radiology environment.