Resuscitation
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The current standards for shock advisory algorithms in AEDs require performance testing on artifact-free ECGs. However, AED analysis in the real world is more challenging due to potential artifacts from various sources (e.g., patient handling, and electromagnetic interference). This retrospective data analysis reports the real-world performance and behavior of a shock advisory algorithm used in three AED models with the presence of artifacts. ⋯ The performance of this shock advisory algorithm during real-world resuscitations with or without artifacts, exceeded AHA recommendations and the requirements in international standards. The high sensitivity and specificity demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of this algorithm in all three AED models.
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Patients with sleep apnea (SA) are at increased cardiovascular risk. However, little is known about the risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in patients with SA. Therefore, we studied the relation between SA patients who did and did not receive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy with OHCA in the general population. ⋯ SA not treated with CPAP was associated with OHCA, while no increased risk of OHCA was found for SA patients treated with CPAP.
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Foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) stands as an important contributor to accidental fatalities, yet prompt bystander interventions have been shown to improve survival. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, interventions, and survival outcomes of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) related to FBAO in comparison to patients with non-FBAO OHCA. ⋯ FBAO-related OHCA was rare but has a higher initial survival rate than non-FBAO related OHCA, with a considerable proportion of patients achieving return of spontaneous circulation upon arrival of the emergency medical service personnel. No definitive associations were established between survival and specific interventions performed by bystanders or EMS personnel. These findings highlight the need for further research in this area.
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We sought to evaluate the impact of a COVID-19 Code Blue policy on in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) processes of care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quality metrics, and survival to hospital discharge. ⋯ The COVID-19 Code Blue policy was associated with delayed processes of care but similarly good CPR quality. The COVID-19 period appeared associated with decreased survival.