Resuscitation
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Multicenter Study
International Resuscitation Network Registry: design, rationale and preliminary results.
There is a lack of high-quality information about the effectiveness of resuscitation interventions and international differences in structure, process and outcome after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation because data are not collected uniformly. An internet-based international registry could make such evaluations possible, and enable the conduct of large randomized controlled trials of resuscitation therapies. A prospective international cohort study was performed that included 571 infants, children and adults (a) who experienced cardiac arrest requiring chest compressions or external defibrillation, (b) outside the hospital in the study communities and (c) upon whom resuscitation was attempted by EMS personnel. ⋯ The resuscitation process was highly variable across centers, and survival and neurological outcome were also significantly and independently different across centers. This study shows that it is possible to collect data prospectively describing the structure, process and outcome associated with cardiac arrest in multiple international sites via the internet. Therefore, it is feasible to conduct adequately powered randomized trials of resuscitation therapies in international settings.
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To examine the relationship between key patient variables and variation in naloxone dose (from the standard dose of 1.6 mg IMI) administered by ambulance paramedics in the prehospital management of heroin overdose. ⋯ The concurrent use of alcohol with heroin resulted in the use of greater than standard doses of naloxone by paramedics in resuscitating overdose patients. It is possible that the higher dose of naloxone is required to reverse the combined effects of alcohol and heroin. There was also a link between initial patient presentation and the dose of naloxone required for resuscitation. In light of these findings, it would appear that initial patient presentation and evidence of alcohol use might be useful guides as to providing the most effective dose of naloxone in the prehospital setting.
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To investigate the level of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training among cardiac patients and their co-habitants and to describe the possibilities for, and obstacles to, CPR training among this group. ⋯ Two-thirds of the patients did not believe that their co-habitant had taken part in CPR training. More than half of these would like their co-habitant to attend such a course. Seventy-two percent were willing to participate in CPR instruction together with their co-habitant. Major obstacles to CPR training were doubts concerning the co-habitant's willingness or physical ability and their own medical status.
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Since June 2002, revised regulations in Germany allow medical faculties to implement new curricular concepts. The medical faculty of the Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen, Germany, decided to start a major reform experiment in winter 2003, focussing on an interdisciplinary integration of organs and organ systems such as the cardiovascular or respiratory system. Furthermore, students will have contact with patients at an early stage of their studies. ⋯ Besides skill training on basics of emergency medical care (basic life support (BLS), early defibrillation), practical training in other lifesaving techniques (e.g., immobilisation skills) and basic principles of daily clinical care are included. In addition, personal safety and a standard algorithm for assessing the patient are covered by problem-based learning sessions. The course evaluation data clearly showed acceptance of the new approach and enhances possibilities of extending implementation of relevant topics concerning emergency medical care within the Medical Reform Curriculum Aachen.