Australasian emergency care
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Australas Emerg Care · Dec 2019
Case ReportsLaughter is the best medicine: A novel finding in the treatment of supraventricular tachycardia in a paediatric emergency patient.
We present a novel case of laughter induction that was noted to terminate an episode of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in a 10 year old girl who presented to a large metropolitan emergency department. In the initial management of this patient's SVT, traditional vagal maneuvers (including the valsalva maneuver and stimulation of the mammalian divers reflex) were attempted unsuccessfully. While awaiting further treatment, nursing staff presented the patient with an inflated examination glove that had been crafted into the shape of an elephant. ⋯ Our patient's case highlights the potential positive impact of this physiology when applied in the context of the paediatric patient presenting in SVT. In the context of the available evidence, the case of our 10-year-old patient serves as a thought-provoking example of the real world relationship between laughter and the traditional Valsalva maneuver. The utility of laughter in the management of supraventricular tachycardia is an area that warrants further investigation.
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Australas Emerg Care · Dec 2019
The "All of Us" study - Non-clinical staff members' experience of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation in acute care settings.
A multitude of Australian hospitals use non-clinical staff to assist with chest compressions and ancillary duties during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Whilst few studies have focused on psychological implications for non-clinical staff, research into other groups indicates that a lack of attention to psychological support may adversely impact individual wellbeing, team functioning and clinical performance. The aim of this study was to explore how non-clinical workers were psychologically affected during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and factors that might mitigate adverse psychological effects. ⋯ This study shows that the development and formalisation of peer support networks for non-clinical health staff warrants serious consideration. The study also indicates that non-clinical members of resuscitation teams may benefit from more psychological preparation and support with self-care.