Annals of emergency medicine
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To determine compliance with advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) guidelines among ACLS-certified and non-ACLS-certified physicians. ⋯ Despite biannual ACLS training of all medical residents and ICU nurses, noncompliance with ACLS guidelines was noted in 35.2% of treatments. We found no correlation between ACLS certification and ACLS guideline compliance.
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To evaluate a comprehensive diagnostic 9-hour evaluation (Heart ER Program) for patients with possible acute ischemic coronary syndromes. ⋯ The Heart ER program provides an effective method for evaluating low- to moderate-risk patients with possible acute ischemic coronary syndrome in the ED setting.
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To determine whether routine pulse oximetry in a pediatric emergency department can be used to identify patients with a low oxygen saturation (SaO2) that is unexpected on the basis of clinical evaluation. ⋯ Clinical evaluation in a pediatric ED does not screen adequately for the detection of hypoxemia and should be supplemented by routine pulse oximetry in all patients with respiratory findings.
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To describe the prognosis in consecutive patients discharged from hospital after prehospital cardiac arrest. ⋯ Among patients who survived out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, one of five died during the first year and one of five survived 10 years after discharge. Prognosis was associated with a history of myocardial infarction, prescription of beta-blockers at discharge, age, and CPC at discharge.