Resuscitation
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Case Reports
Electrical injury during "hands on" defibrillation-A potential risk of internal cardioverter defibrillators?
Despite clear guidance for the need for rescuers to avoid contact with a patient during external defibrillation, the advice regarding the potential dangers of rescuer contact during the firing of an internal cardioverter defibrillator [ICD] generally implies that such contact is safe. This case report describes documented nerve injury to a rescuer by a shock delivered from an ICD during chest compression on a patient in cardiac arrest. The authors also discuss the existing literature on the subject and make suggestions for future management.
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To determine if a new protocol can increase the detection of agonal respirations by emergency medical dispatchers and thus the presence of cardiac arrest. ⋯ Introduction of a new 9-1-1 dispatcher assessment protocol to assess for the presence of agonal respirations can significantly increase the detection cardiac arrest over the telephone.
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Review
The use of CPR feedback/prompt devices during training and CPR performance: A systematic review.
In lay persons and health care providers performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), does the use of CPR feedback/prompt devices when compared to no device improve CPR skill acquisition, retention, and real life performance? ⋯ There is good evidence supporting the use of CPR feedback/prompt devices during CPR training to improve CPR skill acquisition and retention. Their use in clinical practice as part of an overall strategy to improve the quality of CPR may be beneficial. The accuracy of devices to measure compression depth should be calibrated to take account of the stiffness of the support surface upon which CPR is being performed (e.g. floor/mattress). Further studies are needed to determine if these devices improve patient outcomes.
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The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Oman is a relatively new project in the country. It has been developed based on the Anglo-American system of EMS. Currently, it is run by trained Omani Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMT) under the auspices of the Royal Oman Police (ROP) Ambulance Division. ⋯ It is state-funded and free of charge for all people in Oman. There are plans to incorporate aero-medical services into the system, to support the land ambulance service, and there are also plans to expand its coverage to the whole country by 2012. The EMS in Oman has hard challenges ahead but there are also promising plans in place to improve the system.