Resuscitation
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Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a frequent and lethal condition with a yearly incidence of approximately 5000 in Denmark. Thirty-day survival is associated with the patient's prodromal complaints prior to cardiac arrest. This paper examines the odds of 30-day survival dependent on the reported prodromal complaints among OHCAs witnessed by the emergency medical services (EMS). ⋯ Experiencing chest pain or heart palpitations prior to EMS-witnessed OHCA was associated with higher 30-day survival. Conversely, complaints of unresponsiveness or having blue skin or lips implied reduced odds of 30-day survival.
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We sought to evaluate the impact of a medical directive allowing nurses to use defibrillators in automated external defibrillator-mode (AED) on in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) outcomes. ⋯ The implementation of a medical directive allowing for AED use by nurses successfully improved key outcomes for IHCA victims, particularly following the theory-based education video and among the VF/VT group.
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Survival in cardiac arrest is associated with rapid initiation of high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced life support. To improve ROSC rates and survival, we identified the need to reduce response times and implement coordinated resuscitation by dedicated cardiac arrest teams (CATs). We aimed to improve ROSC rates by 10% within 6 months, and subsequent survival to hospital discharge. ⋯ Implementation of a ward-based cardiac arrest QI initiative resulted in an improvement in ROSC rates, median call center and CAT response times.
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Observational Study
Newborn resuscitation timelines: accurately capturing treatment in the delivery room.
To evaluate the use of newborn resuscitation timelines to assess the incidence, sequence, timing, duration of and response to resuscitative interventions. ⋯ Newborn resuscitation timelines can graphically present accurate, time-sensitive and complex data from resuscitations synchronised in time. Timelines can be used to enhance understanding of resuscitation events in data-guided quality improvement initiatives.