Resuscitation
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Reliable data on long-term outcomes after cardiac arrest (CA) remain scarce. Identifying factors persistently impacting the quality of life after CA is crucial to improve long-term outcomes. ⋯ Very long-term survivors showed considerable impairment of quality of life in terms of reduced mobility, self-care, or chronic pain. Higher age at time of CA and lower socioeconomic status showed worse outcomes. A more personalized screening of survivors for risk factors and long-term support are suggested.
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Activating a rapid response system (RRS) at general wards requires memorizing trigger criteria, identifying deterioration, and timely notification of abnormalities. We aimed to assess the effect of decision support (DS)-linked RRS activation on management and outcomes. ⋯ Implementing a DS mechanism with an automated screening of verified abnormal vital signs linked to RRS activations at general wards was associated with improved practice and timeliness of hospital-wide RRS activations and reduced in-hospital resuscitations and mortality.
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Observational Study
The association between alcohol intake shortly before arrest and survival outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Alcohol intake is one of the triggers of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and is associated with survival outcomes due to its relationship with cardiovascular conditions such as variant angina and arrhythmias. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between alcohol intake shortly before cardiac arrest and survival outcomes after OHCA. ⋯ In OHCA patients with presumed cardiac etiology, alcohol intake shortly before arrest was associated with higher odds of survival outcomes.
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Airway management is an important priority in the care of critically ill children. We sought to provide updated estimates of the epidemiology of pediatric out-of-hospital airway management and ventilation interventions in the United States. ⋯ BVM and advanced airway management occur in 1 of every 51 pediatric EMS encounters. BVM is the most commonly prehospital pediatric airway management technique, followed by TI and SGA insertion. These data provide contemporary perspectives of pediatric prehospital airway management.