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Data elements collected from EMS providers include demographics (i.e. name, age, date of birth, incident 
address, gender, and race/ethnicity), arrest circumstances (i.e. location type of arrest, witness status, 
and presumed etiology), and resuscitation-specific data (i.e. information regarding CPR initiation and/
or AED application, defibrillation, initial arrest rhythm, return of spontaneous circulation [ROSC], field 
hypothermia, and pre-hospital survival status). EMS providers are also able to enter a number of optional 
elements, which further detail arrest interventions (i.e. usage of mechanical CPR device, ITD, 12 Lead, 
automated CPR feedback device, and advanced airway; administration of drugs; and diagnosis of STEMI). 
The CARES form also includes a number of optional time elements, including estimated time of arrest, 
initial CPR, defibrillatory shock, sustained ROSC, and termination of resuscitative efforts. Supplemental 
data elements collected from 911 call centers include the time that the call was received, the time of 
dispatch for both first responder and EMS providers, and arrival time at the scene. 
Data elements collected from receiving hospitals include emergency department outcome, provision 
of therapeutic hypothermia/TTM, hospital outcome, discharge location, and neurological outcome at 
discharge (using the Cerebral Performance Categories [CPC] Scale). Receiving facilities may also complete 
optional elements outlining hospital procedures, including coronary angiography, CABG, and stent or ICD 
placement. 
CARES required data fields are harmonized with NHTSA’s National EMS Information System (NEMSIS) 
version 3.5. Future efforts will focus on alignment of CARES supplemental data elements with NEMSIS 
fields. 
The CARES dataset is geocoded on an annual basis and linked to a number of census-tract level variables 
including: median household income, median age, race and ethnicity, unemployment rate, poverty status, 
urbanicity, and educational attainment.
CURRENT CARES PARTICIPATION
Figure 1. Map of 2025 CARES Participants

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