Resuscitation
-
Few prospective studies of the incidence and outcome of paediatric in-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest have been reported to enable quality assurance comparisons within and between institutions. ⋯ In-patient paediatric cardiac arrest has a mediocre outcome with a better outlook if the initial rhythm is hypotensive-bradycardia, VF or pulsatile VT. Doses of adrenaline greater than 15 mcg/kg given for non-shockable rhythms may cause secondary VF which has a worse outcome than primary VF.
-
Comparative Study
Discussing and documenting (do not attempt) resuscitation orders in a Dutch Hospital: a disappointing reality.
To determine whether the introduction of a patient information sheet about do not attempt resuscitation (DNAR) orders and personal motivation of the medical staff results in an improvement in the documentation of the DNAR orders in the medical records. ⋯ Giving patients more information about DNAR orders and motivating medical staff personally does not influence the documentation of DNAR orders. If documented, it occurred more in the elderly and the deceased patients. Only a few DNAR orders were specified and most were initiated by the doctor.
-
Comparative Study
Clinical testing of cellular phone ringing interference with automated external defibrillators.
This study examined cellular phone ringing interference with automated external defibrillators (AED). ⋯ Clinical testing during ECG monitoring by an AED during call from a cellular phone did not show any analysis dysfunction during unshockable rhythms and provoked only transient dysfunction of the speaker device.
-
A non-linear mathematical model of the oesophagus was developed to study the effects of non-invasive ventilation variables on the severity of gastric inflation. The model was based on the non-linear physical characteristics of biological tissue. The model simulated oesophageal mechanical function during non-invasive ventilation in cardiac arrest (2:30 ventilations/chest compressions cycles) and respiratory arrest (1:5 ventilations/s) as recommended by the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) in its 2005 guidelines for adult basic and advanced life support. ⋯ The model indicates that the time required for the air trapped in the oesophagus to completely deflate is approximately 2 s. This may be longer than the expiratory time recommended by the 2005 guidelines. Model predictions support the 2005 guidelines regarding the decrease in the tidal volume and in the inspiratory pressure in an effort to minimise gastric inflation.