Resuscitation
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Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning remains the leading cause of death by poisoning in the world. One of the major proposed mechanisms for CO toxicity is the binding of CO to cytochrome oxidase and interference with cellular oxygen utilization but evidence for this is inconclusive. ⋯ In this canine model of prolonged CO exposure, no gradual reduction in VO(2) or increase in systemic lactate prior to reaching DO(2)crit was noted. In addition, CO exposure does not appear to change the DO(2)crit. The combination of these findings does not support the theory that CO produces a whole body intracellular defect in oxygen utilization.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Is the orientation of the apical defibrillation paddle of importance during manual external defibrillation?
Transthoracic impedance (TTI) is a factor determining the magnitude of the transmyocardial current during external defibrillation. Minimising TTI increases the chances of successful defibrillation. Most external defibrillation paddles are rectangular in shape and can, therefore, be placed in a transverse or longitudinal orientation. The apical paddle is often placed in a transverse orientation. This may theoretically result in a higher TTI than a longitudinal orientation because of poorer contact at the lateral paddle edges. We compared TTI with the apical paddle in both a transverse and longitudinal orientation. ⋯ The longitudinal orientation of a rectangular defibrillation paddle provides a lower TTI than orientation horizontally.
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Entry of air into the venous system leading to intracardiac air and pulmonary air embolism (PAE) has been reported in various clinical settings such as neurosurgical interventions in the sitting position and in autopsies on patients with head and neck injuries. We report the case of a 29-year-old male who developed severe pulmonary dysfunction after severe head injury in a high-velocity car accident. Chest X-ray showed bilateral diffuse patchy infiltrates. ⋯ The history of spontaneous respiration in sitting position at the scene, rapid improvement of pulmonary function within 30 h, small amounts of air in the brain parenchyma, and circulatory shock despite elevated central venous pressure in the initial phase led to the diagnosis of PAE as the primary cause of pulmonary dysfunction. The diagnostic approach and basic therapeutical principles in patients with PAE are described. In conclusion, the case presented emphasizes the importance of considering PAE as a possible cause of respiratory failure in patients with severe head injury.
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Survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA) in an urban environment is directly proportional to speed of defibrillation and effective bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). We hypothesized that the hospital discharge rate from rural OOHCA was affected by the same factors. ⋯ Our data suggest improvement in response time and bystander CPR might further improve survival in a rural setting.
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Intervening successfully to reduce the burden of sudden out-of-hospital death due to coronary heart disease (OHCD) requires knowledge of where these deaths occur and whether they are observed by bystanders. ⋯ A significant proportion of OHCDs occur in private homes and are not witnessed. Prevention of unwitnessed deaths will require programs that result in primary prevention and/or calls to first responders at the time of impending cardiac arrest.