In this episode, host Paul Swindell reconnects with Professor Jerry Nolan — editor in chief of the journal Resuscitation and a leading figure in resuscitation science — six years after their first conversation.
Together, they explore how survival rates have plateaued amid changing patient demographics, the impact of COVID-19 on cardiac arrest outcomes, and the massive collaborative effort behind the 2025 ERC guidelines, which for the first time formally included patient and co-survivor involvement.
They discuss key changes, including the redesigned Chain of Survival — now featuring a dedicated survivorship ring — the shift away from routine cooling after cardiac arrest, advances in prognostication that can now predict good outcomes (not just poor ones), and the emerging role of AI in everything from analysing 999 calls to streamlining guideline development.
Professor Nolan also shares his views on genetic screening for younger cardiac arrest survivors, the growing recognition of co-survivors and the psychological toll on bystanders, and why the evidence base for post-arrest rehabilitation remains frustratingly thin despite widespread acknowledgement of the need.
A wide-ranging and honest conversation about where resuscitation science stands today — and what still needs to change.
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