Resuscitation
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Letter Meta Analysis
Achieved glucose level and mortality risk in randomized clinical trials.
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In various motion pictures, medical TV shows and internet chatrooms, non-medical devices were presented as tools for life-saving cricothyroidotomies. However, there is uncertainty about whether it is possible for a bystander to perform a cricothyroidotomy and maintain gas exchange using improvised household items. This study examines the ability of bystanders to carry out an emergency cricothyroidotomy in fresh human cadavers using only a pocket knife and a ballpoint pen. ⋯ In this cadaveric model, bystanders with variable medical knowledge were able to establish an emergency cricothyroidotomy in 80% of the cases only using a pocketknife and a ballpoint pen. No major complications (particularly injuries of arterial blood vessels or the oesophagus) occurred. Although a pocket knife and ballpoint pen cricothyroidotomy seem a very extreme procedure for a bystander, the results of our study suggest that it is a feasible option in an extreme scenario. For a better outcome, the anatomical landmarks of the neck and the incision techniques should be taught in emergency courses.
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Early and good quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) improve cardiac arrest patients' survival. However, AED peri- and post-shock/analysis pauses may reduce CPR effectiveness. ⋯ AEDs showed different performances that may reduce CPR quality mostly for those rescuers following AED instructions. Both technological improvements and better lay rescuers training might be needed.
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The contemporary characteristics and outcomes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are poorly described. The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence, interventions, and outcomes of CPR in a quaternary referral NICU. ⋯ Although it was not uncommon, the incidence of CPR was low (<3%) among infants hospitalized in a quaternary referral NICU. Infants receiving inotropic therapy prior to CPR and adrenaline administration during CPR were less likely to survive to hospital discharge.
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Historically, reported survival from traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) was extremely low. More recent publications have recorded survival to discharge of up to 8%. This improvement is likely to be multi-factorial; however, there are currently no published data describing the epidemiology or aetiology of TCA in England and Wales to guide future practice improvement. ⋯ This study has shown that short-term survival from TCA in this large civilian registry is 7.5%. Early and aggressive management of patients with TCA, using protocols that target the reversible causes of TCA, should be initiated. Further work to establish novel ways to manage patients with reversible causes of TCA is indicated. Resuscitation in this patient group is not futile.