Resuscitation
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In 2003, the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) published the "Utstein Style for Drowning" (USFD) to advance knowledge on the epidemiology, treatment, and outcome prediction after drowning. Applying the USFD and evaluating its data template for outcome analysis, we report here on the largest study published thus far of drowned children (age 0-14) who underwent attempted resuscitation on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). ⋯ Most variables relevant for outcome in drowned children can be documented with the use of the USFD. Additional variables not included in the USFD that have emerged from this study and may predict outcome include serum K+ concentration, rewarming speed, and initial cardiac rhythm.
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Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) decreases mortality from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest significantly. Accordingly, layperson CPR is an integral component in the chain of survival for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims. The near statewide incidence and location of layperson CPR is unknown. ⋯ The near statewide incidence of layperson CPR is extremely low. This low rate of bystander CPR is likely to contribute to the low overall survival rates from cardiac arrest. Public health officials should re-evaluate current models of public education on CPR.
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Several different ventricular fibrillation (VF) analysis features based on ECG have been reported for shock outcome prediction. In this study we investigated the influence of the time from VF onset to shock delivery (VF duration) and the rhythm before onset of VF, on the probability of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). We also analysed how these factors relate to the VF analysis feature median slope. ⋯ Based on our findings, detection of VF during ongoing chest compressions might be valuable because VF of short duration was associated with ROSC. Further, the rhythm before VF affects shock outcome with a perfusing rhythm giving the best prospect. The median slope can be used for shock outcome prediction, but not for determining VF duration. A combination could be beneficial and warrants further studies.
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The 'ABC for life' programme was designed to facilitate the wider dissemination of basic life support (BLS) skills and knowledge in the population. A previous study demonstrated that using this programme 10-12-year olds are capable of performing and retaining these vital skills when taught by medical students. There are approximately 25,000 year 7 school children in 900 primary schools in Northern Ireland. By using a pyramidal teaching approach involving medical students and teachers, there is the potential to train BLS to all of these children each year. ⋯ This study demonstrates that primary school teachers, previously trained by medical students, can teach BLS effectively to 10-12-year-old children using the 'ABC for life' programme.
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Emergency preservation and resuscitation (EPR) is a new approach for resuscitation of exsanguination cardiac arrest (CA) victims to buy time for surgical hemostasis. EPR uses a cold aortic flush to induce deep hypothermic preservation, followed by resuscitation with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We previously reported that 20 min of EPR was feasible with intact outcome. ⋯ In conclusion, we have shown that 60 min of EPR after exsanguination CA is associated with survival and favorable neurological outcome, while 75 min of EPR results in significant mortality and neurological damage in survivors. Surprisingly, extracerebral lesions predominated at 75-min EPR group. This model should serve as a screening model both for testing new pharmacological adjuncts to improve survival after exsanguination CA, and for elucidating the underlying mechanisms of ischemia/reperfusion injury.