Prehospital emergency care : official journal of the National Association of EMS Physicians and the National Association of State EMS Directors
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Abstract Background. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is considered the out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA) rhythm with the highest likelihood of neurologically intact survival. Unfortunately, there are occasions when VF does not respond to standard defibrillatory shocks. ⋯ This case series demonstrates that DSED may be a feasible technique as part of an aggressive treatment plan for RVF in the out-of-hospital setting. In this series, RVF was terminated 70% of the time, but no patient survived to discharge. Further research is needed to better understand the characteristics of and treatment strategies for RVF.
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Abstract Introduction. Data on the clinical interventions performed by emergency medical responder firefighters (EMRFs) are limited outside the context of cardiac arrest. We sought to understand the broader medical role of firefighters by examining fire-ambulance arrival order and documenting specific interventions provided by firefighters with advanced EMR training. ⋯ Conclusions. EMRFs performed advanced EMR training interventions in a small fraction of the patients they were able to reach before paramedics, and further study of the clinical significance of these interventions in the hands of this responder group is needed. EMRF training in these communities should continue to emphasize the fervent and consistent application of BLS resuscitation interventions in victims of cardiac arrest.
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Abstract Early, high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the key to increasing the likelihood of successful resuscitation in cardiac arrest. The use of dispatch-assisted (DA) CPR can increase the likelihood of bystander CPR. We describe a case in which a metronome was introduced to guide DA-CPR. ⋯ Return of spontaneous circulation of the patient occurred during paramedic on scene care. The patient was transported to hospital and discharged 6 days later with no neurological deficit. This case supports the use of a metronome by emergency medical dispatchers during the provision of DA-CPR to improve bystander CPR.
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Abstract Objective. Planning for time-sensitive injury may allow emergency medical services (EMS) systems to more accurately triage patients meeting accepted criteria to facilities most capable of providing life-saving treatment. In 2010, North Carolina (NC) implemented statewide Trauma Triage and Destination Plans (TTDPs) in all 100 of North Carolina's county-defined EMS systems. ⋯ Misclassification occurred more often in systems that did not consult local hospitals prior to developing their TTDP. The potential of the TTDP to improve communication between EMS agencies and the facilities with which they work has not been fully realized. EMS agencies or systems should verify local hospital capabilities when engaging in destination planning efforts.