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Canadian Prehospital Syncope Risk Score (Prehospital CSRS)

This Canadian study is looking at a new way for paramedics to assess people who have fainted (medically called syncope). Fainting is a brief loss of consciousness, and while it's common, most people recover quickly and don't need hospital. This study uses a tool called the Canadian Prehospital Syncope Risk Score (CPSRS). Paramedics will use this score to help them quickly and accurately figure out if someone is at low risk of serious health problems within 30 days. The main goal is to check if this scoring system works well, or if it needs any changes, so paramedics can better decide who can safely be cared for at home and who needs to be taken to hospital. This could help patients get the right care faster and ease pressure on hospitals.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Venkatesh Thiruganasambandamoorthy

Enrolment target

4,875

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2027

Syncope

What is this study about?

Fainting, or "syncope" as doctors call it, is when you suddenly lose consciousness for a short time and then quickly recover fully. It's a common reason people call for an ambulance and visit the emergency room. While it can be quite scary, most people who faint recover well and don't have serious long-term problems, and only a small number actually need to stay in hospital.

This study is testing a new tool for paramedics called the Canadian Prehospital Syncope Risk Score (CPSRS). Think of it like a checklist or a guide designed to help paramedics quickly work out if someone who has fainted is at a low risk of developing any serious health issues within the next 30 days. If the score shows they are low risk, it might mean they don't necessarily need to go to the hospital. This could make things better for patients, allowing them to recover at home, and also free up valuable paramedic and hospital resources for people who truly need them.

The research team wants to make sure this scoring system is accurate and reliable. Paramedics in five different areas across Canada will be using the tool, and the researchers will collect information to see how well it predicts who might have problems later. If needed, they'll make improvements to the tool based on what they learn from this study. They hope that by using this score, paramedics can make more informed decisions right away, leading to better and more efficient care for everyone.

Key takeaways

The study tests a new tool (CPSRS) for paramedics to assess fainting.
Aims to identify low-risk patients who might not need hospital A&E.
Could help provide faster, more appropriate care.
May reduce pressure on emergency services.
Involves paramedics collecting information and a 30-day follow-up.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) who has fainted and called for paramedic services through the 911 system. Your fainting episode must have been a sudden, brief loss of consciousness, and you must have fully recovered on your own.

You would not be able to join the study if you are under 18. Also, if your loss of consciousness lasted longer than five minutes, or if your usual mental state has changed (for example, you're confused or not thinking clearly), you wouldn't be included. Other reasons for not being able to join include if your fainting was caused by a head injury, or if you can't clearly explain what happened because of a language barrier, a condition affecting your thinking, or if you've had too much alcohol or drugs.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Did you call 911 for fainting?
Was your loss of consciousness brief and did you recover fully?
Did your fainting last less than 5 minutes?
Are you able to clearly explain what happened (no severe confusion or intoxication)?
Was your fainting NOT due to a head injury?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, paramedics will screen you when they arrive after you've called 911 for a fainting episode. If you meet the criteria, they will use the Canadian Prehospital Syncope Risk Score (CPSRS) tool to gather information about your symptoms and medical history. They will fill out a special form with this information.

After this initial assessment by the paramedics, the research team will follow up on your health for 30 days. This will involve reviewing your paramedic and hospital records, including any emergency room visits or hospital stays, and any tests you had. You'll also receive a phone call about 30 days after the event. During this call, the team will ask a few simple questions to check how you're doing, if you've had any further medical visits, or if a cause for your fainting has been found. This helps them understand if the scoring tool accurately predicted your health outcomes.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer the benefit of contributing to new knowledge that could improve how people who faint are assessed by paramedics in the future, potentially leading to faster and more appropriate care. There are no direct medical risks from participating, as the study involves data collection during standard paramedic assessment and follow-up through record reviews and a phone call. Your decision to participate is entirely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Verified postcode
Ottawa, Canada

Common questions

What is syncope?

Syncope is the medical term for fainting. It's a sudden, brief loss of consciousness, followed by a quick and complete recovery.

What is the CPSRS?

CPSRS stands for Canadian Prehospital Syncope Risk Score. It's a new checklist or guide that paramedics use to assess people who have fainted, to help them decide who might be at low risk of serious problems.

Why is this study important?

This study is important because it could help paramedics make better decisions about who needs to go to hospital after fainting, leading to better care for patients and more efficient use of ambulance and hospital resources.

Will I get any specific treatment in this study?

No, this study doesn't involve any new treatments or medicines. It's about how paramedics assess your condition and gather information to improve a new risk assessment tool.

Who is running this study?

The study is being conducted by a research team at various paramedic services and hospitals across Canada.

How to find out more

Iris Nguyen, BSc

pnguyen@ohri.ca 613-798-5555 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.