Medizinische Klinik, Intensivmedizin und Notfallmedizin
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Due to the geographical conditions, large-scale accidents amounting to mass casualty incidents (MCI) in Alpine terrain regularly present rescue teams with huge challenges. Using an example incident, specific conditions and typical problems associated with such a situation are presented. ⋯ Rescue operations in Alpine terrain have to be performed according to the particular conditions and require rescue teams to have specific knowledge and expertise. The possibility of a large-scale accident should be considered when planning events. With respect to optimization of rescue measures, regular training and exercises are rational, as is the analysis of previous large-scale Alpine accidents.
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Med Klin Intensivmed Notfmed · Nov 2014
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study[Saving lives with dispatcher-assisted resuscitation: importance of effective telephone instruction].
Survival rates after sudden cardiac arrest could be increased if bystanders could be encouraged to perform CPR until emergency services arrive. This should be initiated by the dispatcher at the emergency control facility who receives the call. For the first time the ERC guidelines of 2010 included instructions to be given to untrained rescuers by the dispatcher. Rapid recognition of cardiac arrest and initiation of emergency measures is assured by means of specific training for the dispatchers. ⋯ There were no significant differences between the groups regarding the target variables. The results show that already extremely short instructions or advice by the dispatcher to start CPR is sufficient to encourage bystanders to give assistance in an emergency. Continuous support over the phone does not appear to be necessary.
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Med Klin Intensivmed Notfmed · Nov 2014
Review[Neurological and psychological long-term effects of sepsis].
In addition to the limitations to the health-related quality of life that have been compiled with validated test instruments, a number of former sepsis patients suffer from functional impairments, which are categorized under the terms critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) or critical illness myopathy (CIM), which have been in existence for over 20 years now. ⋯ The degree of functional deficits resulting from sepsis and the actual quality of life of those affected may, however, be influenced by taking appropriate rehabilitation measures. However, neither therapeutic rehabilitation standards nor any rehabilitation facilities tailored to the needs of these patients currently exist.
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The treatment of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock continues to evolve. Recent studies have enunciated the benefit of early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) during the first 6 h after recognition of the condition. With EGDT a reduction in mortality of over 16% was shown over standard care. Thereafter the components of the EGDT were consequently implemented in the international Surviving Sepsis Campaign as well as the German sepsis guidelines. Nevertheless the medical community's enthusiasm for EGDT has remained indecisive. There remains a profound skepticism about treatment targets such as central venous pressure or mean arterial pressure as well as central venous oxygen saturation. Moreover multiple barriers such as critical shortage of nursing staff, problems in obtaining central venous pressure monitoring or lack of agreement with the EGDT resuscitation protocol may lead to non-adherence to EGDT early in the course of sepsis. ⋯ The Severe Sepsis 3-Hour Resuscitation Bundle and the 6-Hour Septic Shock Bundle represent a distillation of the concepts and recommendations found in the practice guidelines published by the Surviving Sepsis Campaign. The bundles are designed to allow teams to follow the timing, sequence, and goals of the individual elements of care. Early recognition, early mobilization of resources, and multidisciplinary collaboration are imperative to enhance the prognosis of patients with sepsis.
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The Surviving Sepsis Campaign strongly recommends that intravenous antibiotic therapy should be started as early as possible, ideally within the first hour of recognition of severe sepsis or septic shock. There is ample evidence that failure to initiate early antimicrobial treatment correlates with increased morbidity and mortality. ⋯ The administration of antibiotics based on the local epidemiology should be initiated quickly in critically ill patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. In patients who are not in septic shock, treatment can be withheld, while awaiting further studies or clinical assessment to confirm the suspicion of infection.