Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Canadian Prehospital Syncope Risk Score (Prehospital CSRS)

Canada4,875 participantsStarted 2025-09-01

Plain-language summary

Background: Syncope is defined as a sudden, brief loss of consciousness (LOC) followed by a rapid complete recovery. It accounts for 160,000 emergency department (ED) visits each year in Canada. Despite this, few people are hospitalized (\~15%) and even fewer will die (\~1%). Two-thirds of patients with syncope arrive at the ED by calling 911. There are many causes of syncope. Identifying patients at low risk for bad outcomes would allow paramedics to safely determine which patients need care in the ED from those who can remain home. The research team recently developed the Canadian Prehospital Syncope Risk Score (CPSRS) which accurately identified patients at low risk for 30-day serious outcomes. Objective: The goal of this study is to validate the accuracy of the CPSRS in the prehospital setting or refine if needed to predict the risk of 30-day serious outcomes for patients with syncope. Methods: The research team will enroll patients with syncope from five paramedic services across Canada (British Columbia - Vancouver and Kelowna areas only, London-Middlesex, York Region, Frontenac, and Ottawa). The research team will exclude patients \<18 years old, LOC \>5 minutes, changes in mental status from baseline, alcohol or drug intoxication, or language barrier. Paramedics will fill out a study data collection form with the CPSRS items and additional data should the tool need refinement. The data will be entered into a secure database and will assess patient outcomes (death and potentially life-threatening medical conditions) at 30 days. The research team will examine model accuracy using standard prediction measures and look to improve model accuracy if needed. The research team expects to enroll 4875 patients over a 1-year recruitment period based on annual call volumes. Expected Outcomes: Once validated, the tool could reduce the number of patients transported to the hospital by identifying those at low risk. This would improve patient-oriented care, while at the same time saving valuable paramedic and ED resources.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients who access paramedic services through the 911 system will be included if they have suffered syncope, defined as a sudden transient loss of consciousness followed by spontaneous complete recovery. Exclusion Criteria: * Pediatric patients (\<18 years old), * Patients who have a prolonged period of unconsciousness (\>5 minutes), * Change in mental status from baseline, witnessed seizure, * Loss of consciousness due to head trauma (i.e., trauma was the initial event), * or if unable to provide accurate details due to language barrier, cognitive impairment, alcohol, or drug intoxication.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

A serious adverse event (SAE) occurring within 30 days of the 911 call

Timeframe: 30 days after the 911 call

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05560126

SponsorVenkatesh Thiruganasambandamoorthy

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2027-09-30

Contact for this trial

Iris Nguyen, BSc

613-798-5555 pnguyen@ohri.ca

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Syncope trials