Resuscitation
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Comparative Study
Rhythmic abdominal compression CPR ventilates without supplemental breaths and provides effective blood circulation.
Standard chest-compression CPR has an out-of-hospital resuscitation rate of less than 10% and can result in rib fractures or mouth-to-mouth transfer of infection. Recently, we introduced a new CPR method that utilizes only rhythmic abdominal compressions (OAC-CPR). The present study compares ventilation and hemodynamics produced by chest and abdominal compression CPR. ⋯ OAC-CPR generated ventilatory volumes significantly greater than the dead space and produced equivalent, or larger, CPP than with chest compressions. Thus, OAC-CPR ventilates a subject, eliminating the need for mouth-to-mouth breathing, and effectively circulates blood during VF without breaking ribs. Furthermore, this technique is simple to perform, can be administered by a single rescuer, and should reduce bystander reluctance to administer CPR.
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Comparative Study
External artifacts by advanced life support providers misleading automated external defibrillators.
The ECG analysis algorithm of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) shows reduced sensitivity and specificity in the presence of external artifacts. Therefore, ECG analyses are preceded by voice prompts. We investigated if advanced life support (ALS) providers follow these prompts, and the consequences if they do not. ⋯ External artifacts were frequently found, sometimes leading to important errors. Consequently, more training is needed, especially for ALS providers.
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The only large-scale report (1988) by the Israeli national ambulance service Magen David Adom (MDA) on the outcome of cardiac arrest victims who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by paramedics called for more frequent and more promptly initiated CPR and shorter time to arrival of paramedic care to improve survival. We report the 1987-2007 experience of resuscitation of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims who were 'SHL'-Telemedicine subscribers and who underwent CPR by SHL-Telemedicine mobile intensive care units (MICUs) personnel or under their instructions. ⋯ 'SHL'-Telemedicine's policy of bi-monthly contact with its subscribers led to heightened awareness of warning signs and need for rapid summoning of medical assistance in the setting of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest.
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While lower socioeconomic status is associated with lower level of education and increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases, the impact of socioeconomic status on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes is unclear. We used residential property values as a proxy for socioeconomic status to determine if there was an association with: (1) bystander CPR rates and (2) survival to hospital discharge for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. ⋯ This is the largest study showing an association between socioeconomic status and survival, and the first study showing an association with bystander CPR. Our findings suggest targeting CPR training among lower socioeconomic groups.
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Determine anesthesiologists' knowledge of the 2005 American Heart Association (AHA) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) recommendations. ⋯ Deficiencies exist in the knowledge of current AHA PALS guidelines among anesthesiologists. Formal resuscitation training programs should be considered in ongoing continuing medical education.