Introduction

This documentation serves as a comprehensive guide for implementing and validating CARES (Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival) required element validation within Emergency Medical Services (EMS) software systems. All documentation is based on the CARES 3.5.0 Required Elements Schematron. This page is designed specifically for two primary audiences:

1. EMS Software Developers: Those implementing CARES validation rules in electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR) systems will find detailed Schematron rules, validation patterns, and technical specifications necessary to ensure their software properly validates CARES-required elements.
2. Data Managers and Quality Assurance Personnel: Professionals responsible for ensuring data compliance will benefit from clear documentation of validation rules, required elements, and common scenarios they need to monitor in their ePCR systems.

The documentation is organized in a logical flow, starting with common validation conditions, followed by detailed element-specific requirements, and concluding with technical implementation notes. This structure allows readers to:

• Understand the core CARES eligibility criteria and validation framework
• Access detailed documentation for each required data element
• Review specific validation patterns and their implementation
• Reference technical notes for complex scenarios and edge cases

By following these specifications, organizations can ensure their EMS data collection systems accurately capture and validate cardiac arrest data, leading to:

• Improved data quality and consistency across EMS agencies
• Reduced data entry errors and validation issues
• Streamlined submission process to the CARES registry
• Better support for cardiac arrest research and quality improvement initiatives

Common Validation Conditions

CARES Eligibility Core Criteria

<!-- Basic CARES Eligibility Check -->
<sch:let name="eArrest.02.Criteria" value="$eArrest02[text() != '3002015']"/>
<sch:let name="eArrest.03.Criteria" value="$eArrest03[text() = '3003001' or text() = '3003003' or text() = '3003005']"/>

Standard Criteria Codes

• Arrest Etiology (eArrest.02)
  • 3002015: Traumatic Cause (excluded from CARES)
• Resuscitation Status (eArrest.03)
  • 3003001: Attempted Defibrillation
  • 3003003: Attempted Ventilation
  • 3003005: Initiated Chest Compressions