Resuscitation
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We present a case of a patient with severe multiple trauma who was treated at the scene by a physician-staffed trauma life support team. Due to a complete tracheal transection, a "cannot ventilate, cannot intubate"-situation occurred. The patient was then intubated using a fiberoptic bronchoscope in the prehospital setting. The current literature concerning fiberoptic intubation in emergencies is discussed.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Public access resuscitation program including defibrillator training for laypersons: a randomized trial to evaluate the impact of training course duration.
Time to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a main determinant of survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Only widespread implementation of training courses for laypersons can decrease response time. ⋯ A 2-h class is sufficient to acquire and retain CPR and AED skills for an extended time period provided that a brief re-evaluation is performed after 6 months.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Disposable laryngeal tube suction--a randomized comparison of two insertion techniques performed by novice users in anaesthetised patients.
Laryngeal tubes are supraglottic airway devices that can be used in alternative to a tracheal tube to provide ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The product line has recently been expanded by the disposable laryngeal tube suction (LTS-D). We tested the hypothesis that, with a modified insertion technique (MIT), the rate of correct placement attempts within 45 s could be significantly increased compared to the standard insertion technique (SIT) recommended by the manufacturer. ⋯ Applying a MIT significantly reduced the time for successful insertion of an LTS-D by first-time users. Insertion within 45 s was significantly more frequent with this technique. Further studies need to be conducted to determine if the LTS-D can be recommended as a first-line airway during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
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The increase in oxidative stress following neonatal hypoxia-reoxygenation can be related to subsequent cardiovascular deficits. We compared the acute systemic, pulmonary and regional hemodynamic recovery in hypoxic newborn pigs reoxygenated by low (18%) or high (100%) concentration of oxygen with that by 21% oxygen. ⋯ In this swine model of neonatal hypoxia-reoxygenation, resuscitation with 18% and 100% oxygen results in differential compromises in systemic and pulmonary circulations when compared with 21% oxygen.
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Ventricular fibrillation occurs in 10-20% of pediatric cardiac arrests. Survival rates in children with ventricular fibrillation can be as high as 30% when the rhythm is identified and treated promptly. In the last 5 years, recommendations have been made for the use of automated external defibrillators in children between 1 and 8 years of age. ⋯ At the present time, publication of new or interim guidelines in the scientific literature alone is insufficient to ensure that new protocols are implemented. An effective and efficient method to disseminate new pediatric out-of-hospital protocols emergency care to become standard of care in a timely matter must be developed.