Resuscitation
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Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning resulting in diffuse tissue hypoxia. Cerebral hypoxia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after CO poisoning. There are some clinical criteria that could help a physician to make a decision concerning the application of hyperbaric oxygenation therapy. ⋯ We present two case reports where the established criteria for the CO poisoning were not optimum for the decision regarding therapy. It seems that the S-100B protein could be used as a biochemical marker of CO induced brain injury. S-100B values could perhaps help us to select patients for hyperbaric oxygen therapy and to predict the short and long term outcome.
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To measure an appropriately sized nasopharyngeal airway, it is taught that the size is related to the patients little finger or nostril (anterior nares). This study has been designed to identify whether these comparisons are valid. ⋯ The methods used traditionally to size a nasopharyngeal airway do not correlate with the airway anatomy and are unreliable. It is more appropriate to size the airway dependent upon the patient's size, sex and race.
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To investigate the response to cardiac arrest in general wards. ⋯ The majority of the cardiac arrest teams have acceptable response times, but their efficiency may be impaired by the lack of staff, equipment and co-ordination with the ward personnel. CAT members identified a strong need for BLS training of ward personnel. More widespread introduction of standard protocols for resuscitation and reporting of cardiac arrest are necessary to evaluate aspects that may need improvement.
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Non-traditional and lay first responders increasingly are being trained in the skill of defibrillation. With simplification of new devices, there is a need to determine optimal first responder selection and training and maintenance of this important skill. These issues are of prime importance for the St John Ambulance Australia Operations Branch which already has a substantial first response defibrillation programme. ⋯ For St John first responders proficient in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the skill of defibrillation with an AED is readily acquired and maintained. While less experienced members may be less likely to acquire the skill initially, once acquired the skill is equally maintained by all, provided ongoing 'on duty' exposure is available.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Factors influencing Queenslanders' willingness to perform bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
The chances of surviving an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) are greatly increased if a bystander provides cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while awaiting the arrival of the emergency medical services. Over 50% of adult Queenslanders have been trained in CPR at some time in the past, however, little is known about the factors that affect their willingness to perform CPR. ⋯ This study indicates that there is considerable variation in Queenslanders' willingness to perform bystander CPR. Public health education campaigns aimed at correcting inaccurate perceptions of risk and addressing other barriers to bystander CPR would promote its use in response to OHCA.