In German hospitals, there are around 28,000 to 38,000 cardiac arrests outside intensive care units and operating theatres every year. Despite immediate resuscitation measures in 91 percent of cases, only about 20 percent of those affected survive. This was the result of projections by the German Resuscitation Register, which were presented at the Bad Boller Resuscitation and Emergency Talks 2026.

For the first time, the panel of experts from the German Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (DGAI), the Professional Association of German Anaesthesiologists (BDA) and the German Resuscitation Register focused on in-hospital resuscitation. Such emergencies are particularly common in normal wards and in publicly accessible areas where patients are not continuously monitored.

Survival rates and the rate of successful spontaneous circulation recovery (ROSC) differ significantly between clinics. The experts see a clear potential for improvement in this. Many of the events could be avoided through better early detection, while others could be treated more successfully with optimized processes.

The experts named the following as central starting points:

• Introduction of standardised early warning systems (Early Warning Scores) for the early detection of critical conditions
• Uniform, low-threshold emergency numbers within the clinics
• Structured medical emergency teams that are alerted early
• Regular resuscitation training (BLS/ALS) for all professional groups involved
• Consistent use of register and routine data to improve quality
• Clear documentation of the patient’s will within the framework of Advanced Care Planning

In Sweden, the systematic use of such data is already showing success in improving the quality of care across the board. In Germany, only about 20 percent of hospitals currently participate in the German Resuscitation Register.

To implement the measures, the “In-Hospital Resuscitation Academy Germany” (iRAD) will start in April 2026 under the umbrella of the DGAI. Twelve clinics are initially participating in the two-year program, which is intended to sustainably improve structures, processes and training concepts in accordance with international recommendations.

The experts emphasized that better in-hospital resuscitation care could not only save lives, but also avoid costly intensive care treatments.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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