Resuscitation
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The effects of changes to the ERC resuscitation guidelines on no flow time and cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality: a randomised controlled study on manikins.
The European Resuscitation Council (ERC) guidelines changed in 2005. We investigated the impact of these changes on no flow time and on the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). ⋯ The use of a single shock sequence with guidelines 2005 has decreased the no flow time during CPR when compared with guidelines 2000 with multiple shocks.
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To evaluate the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed by a physician-manned ambulance, and assess whether it changed with time influenced by developing scientific evidence and guideline changes. ⋯ High quality CPR is achievable out-of-hospital, and the improvement with time could reflect developing scientific evidence focusing on reducing hands-off intervals and hyperventilation.
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Resuscitation of traumatic cardiorespiratory arrest patients (TCRA) is generally associated with poor outcome, however some authors report survival rates of more than 10% in blunt trauma patients. The purpose of this investigation was to determine predictive factors for mortality in trauma patients having received external chest compressions (ECC). ⋯ Prehospital chest tube insertion was found to be a strong predictor for survival. On-scene chest decompression of TCRA patients is recommended in case of the decision to start with ECC. Based on our data, resuscitation after severe trauma seems to be more justified than the current guidelines state.
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The present study examined the ability of the crew of small fast rescue boats to perform basic life support (BLS) at sea. Tests were undertaken aboard a 67m emergency response and rescue vessel (ERRV), a 9.1m (30ft) and 11.6m (38ft) fast rescue craft ("daughter craft" (DC)). It was hypothesised that the ability to perform BLS on a DC would be significantly impaired when compared with that seen on the ERRV. ⋯ It is concluded that the performance of BLS on small boats, in particular rescue breathing, is significantly adversely affected by two major factors, motion-induced interruption and early fatigue. As a consequence, the likelihood of conducting fully effective continuous BLS on a small boat in a seaway for any length of time, with a good chance of a successful outcome, is considered to be poor. However, this should not deter rescuers from attempting to make such efforts where practicable.