Resuscitation
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Because children have less subcutaneous fat, and a higher surface area to body weight ratio than adults, it has been suggested that children cool more rapidly during submersion, and therefore have a better outcome following near-drowning incidents. ⋯ Although submersion time is usually an estimate, it is the best prognostic factor after a near drowning incident. Children did not have a better outcome than adults.
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Heliox has a lower density than oxygen and nitrogen, and can improve ventilation rapidly in patients with critical upper airway obstruction. The choice of the best helium:oxygen ratio depends on whether the predominant problem is hypercarbia or hypoxia. In the former situation, 80% helium should be used, and in the latter, 100% oxygen is appropriate.
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Case Reports
Cold water submersion and cardiac arrest in treatment of severe hypothermia with cardiopulmonary bypass.
In the paediatric population, submersion injury with drowning or near-drowning represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. This study reviews retrospectively our own experiences and the literature on the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to rewarm paediatric victims of cold water submersion who suffer severe hypothermia (<28 degrees C) and cardiac arrest (asystole or ventricular fibrillation). In addition to three children treated at our institution, nine other victims were found in the literature. ⋯ Compared with adults, children, especially smaller ones, require special consideration with regard to intravenous cannulation as drainage can be inadequate using femoral-femoral cannulation. In hypothermic children we advocate, therefore, emergency median sternotomy. Until more information regarding prognostic factors are available, children who are severely hypothermic and clinically dead after submersion in cold water--even if for an unknown length of time--should receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and be transported without delay to a facility with capabilities for CPB instituted via a median sternotomy.
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Applying adult learning principles in healthcare education is increasingly recognised as useful and effective. We designed and evaluated an educational package for medical student basic life support (BLS) skills that placed the responsibility of skill acquisition with the learner. The package provided hardcopy and web based information, an in-house produced audio-video tape demonstrating BLS, and open access to manikins in a Skills Centre where the students learnt in pairs. ⋯ Where failure occurred, it was due to inadequate student learning in the Skills Centre. The importance of practice needs emphasis in future use of the programme, as does the virtual guarantee of success, if all steps are followed. A similar programme could be devised for other technical skills.
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To assess the management of patients with blunt traumatic pulmonary contusion admitted to our hospital. To identify the role of early blood gas analysis, non-invasive ventilation and to assess the validity of the current Advanced Trauma Life Support manual statement that "Patients with significant hypoxia, i.e. PaO(2)<65 mm Hg or 8.6 kPa on room air, SaO(2)<90%, should be intubated and ventilated within the first hour after injury". ⋯ All major trauma patients admitted to our hospital received supplemental oxygen. Interpretation of ABG breathing room air was not used as an indicator for intubation. Most decisions to intubate early were based on clinical need. Patients with significant pulmonary contusion required intubation for reasons other than respiratory failure. Patients with significant pulmonary contusion were managed safely with non-invasive ventilatory support. Further investigation will determine the role of non-invasive ventilatory support in the management of these patients.