Resuscitation
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About half of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors experience secondary anoxic brain damage. Neurological outcome can be influenced by rehabilitative treatment approaches, but the nature and severity of persistent disabilities remain unclear. The aim of the study was to explore persistent neuropsychiatric symptoms, global function and life situation of these patients, and to evaluate quality of life in families. ⋯ Despite optimal in-hospital treatment, severe anoxic brain damage resulted in permanent cognitive decline, impaired awareness and self care ability. Families felt isolated, and more than half need more support to prevent burn out.
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Open chest cardiac massage has been shown to be superior to closed-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation for both hemodynamics produced during resuscitation and ultimate resuscitation success. The inexperience of many rescuers with emergency thoracotomy, along with the associated morbidity contributes to the continued reluctance in the use of invasive cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques. A device has been developed for performing 'minimally invasive' direct cardiac massage. ⋯ Throughout most of the time course of the study no significant differences in end-tidal expired carbon dioxide levels were noted. Nor were there any differences in 24-h survival. Improvements in assuring proper placement of the device on the epicardium should make this technique a potent advanced cardiac life support adjunct.
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Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Life supporting first aid (LSFA) teaching to Brazilians by television spots.
Accidents in developing countries are frequent and have high mortality and morbidity rates. In Brazil, in 1995-1996, the year of this study, life supporting first aid (LSFA), which includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) basic life support (BLS) was not taught in schools. With the population of 165 million, the only way to teach the adult population on a large scale would be by television (TV), that is widely viewed. ⋯ Television viewing increased correct airway control performance from 5 to 25% of trainees, while it remained at 3% in the control group. CPR-ABC performance, however, was very poor in both groups. We conclude that a significant proportion of factory workers can acquire simple LSFA skills through television viewing alone, except for the skill acquisition of CPR steps B (mouth-to-mouth ventilation) and C (external chest compressions) which need coached manikin practice.