Resuscitation
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Biography Historical Article
The Resuscitation Greats. Nancy Caroline--from mobile intensive care to hospice.
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We present a case report of successful treatment of shock induced by the calcium channel blocker (CCB) diltiazem. A 75-year-old woman took a combination of tablets, including diltiazem. ⋯ Haemodynamic stability was not achieved until an insulin infusion and glucose administration was started. We review the literature and the updated guidelines for the treatment of CCB intoxication, with particular emphasis on situations where insulin and glucose infusions can be live saving.
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To determine effective interventional targets for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests by analyzing the distribution characteristics of arrest patients according to age and sex with special emphasis on ventricular fibrillation (VF). ⋯ Our study provides evidence that there are significant age and sex related epidemiological differences in cardiac arrests and we need to understand them better. Strategies that focus on high yielded patients, those in witnessed VF, should be pursued. These efforts should be expected to yield sex and age related differences in survivors.
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Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is an important component of the pre-hospital emergency care process. Location of the correct site for application of compression in External Cardiac Compression is crucial if patients are not to be exposed to the risk of iatrogenic injury. ⋯ Results indicated that, using the most conservative comparison, such pressure would be applied in 97% of instances, if the rescuer strictly adhered to the caliper method for locating the correct site. It is recommended that the caliper method be removed as an approved procedure.
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Comparative Study
Prehospital ECG transmission: comparison of advanced mobile phone and facsimile devices in an urban Emergency Medical Service System.
To compare the speed and reliability of electrocardiogram (ECG) transmissions from the prehospital setting to a conventional table facsimile device and to an advanced mobile phone in a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service System (HEMS). ⋯ An advanced mobile phone is as fast and reliable as a conventional table fax in receiving ECGs. A mobile phone with advanced features is a practical tool for HEMS physicians who need to evaluate ECGs in the prehospital setting.