Resuscitation
-
To determine the error of measurement in pulse oximetry with a decreased arterial perfusion and to identify a systolic pressure threshold for (1) initial detection and (2) a reliable reading of oxygen saturation. ⋯ Pulse oximetry is reliable with a systolic blood pressure > 80 mmHg. The lower the BP, the lower the pulse oximetry readings leading to a bias of up to -45%.
-
In a swine model of out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation (VF) cardiac arrest, we established that automated external defibrillator (AED) defibrillation could worsen outcome from prolonged VF compared with manual defibrillation. Worse outcomes were due to substantial interruptions and delays in chest compressions for AED rhythm analyses and shock advice. In particular, the mean interval from first AED shock to first post-shock compressions was 46+/-6s. We hypothesized that the delay from shock to provision of chest compressions is similar in the out-of-hospital setting. ⋯ Substantial delays in the provision of post-shock chest compressions are typical in this EMS system with AED-equipped first responders.
-
Mild therapeutic hypothermia has shown to improve neurological outcome after cardiac arrest. Our study investigated the efficacy and safety of cold simple intravenous infusions for induction of hypothermia after cardiac arrest preceding further cooling and maintenance of hypothermia by specialised endovascular cooling. ⋯ Our results indicate that induction of mild hypothermia with infusion of cold fluids preceding endovascular cooling is safe and effective.
-
Quality assurance to optimize clinical resuscitation performance is important. The aims of the present study were to identify the deficiencies in the clinical practice of resuscitation by motion analysis of video-recorded cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and to evaluate the effectiveness of quality improvement strategies based on audio-prompt methods. ⋯ Audio-prompts can improve the adherence to current CPR guidelines in the clinical setting significantly. The quality improvement measures described in this study are helpful in translating CPR knowledge into clinical practice.
-
Measuring different intervals during cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a key element of resuscitation performance. For accurate time measurements, the internal clocks of automated external defibrillator (AEDs) need to be synchronized with the dispatch centre time. ⋯ Synchronisation of AED clocks is not widespread in Finland. Instructions to synchronize have been issued in a minority of EMS systems. Despite this, time deviations are large, and erroneous times are recorded.