Resuscitation
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Use of an automated external defibrillator: a prospective observational study of first-year medical students.
This study evaluated the ability of young adults to respond to a simulated cardiac arrest using an automated external defibrillator (AED). ⋯ Results indicate the need for greater awareness of how to deal with cardiac arrest and the use of an AED when one is available.
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of ATLS(®) on trauma mortality in a non-trauma system setting. ATLS represents a fundamental element of trauma training in every trauma curriculum. Nevertheless, there are limited studies in the literature as for the impact of ATLS training in trauma mortality, especially outside the US. ⋯ In Greece, with no formal trauma system implementation, ATLS(®) certified physicians achieve worse outcomes than their non-certified colleagues when managing trauma patients. We believe that these findings must be interpreted in the context of the National health care system. There is considerable room for improvement in our country, and further analysis is required.
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Survival after in-hospital pulseless electrical activity (PEA) cardiac arrest is poor and has not changed during the last 10 years. Effective chest compressions may improve survival after PEA. We investigated whether a mechanical device (LUCAS™-CPR) can ensure chest compressions during cardiac arrest according to guidelines and without interruption during transport, diagnostic procedures and in the catheter laboratory. ⋯ Continuous chest compression with an automatic mechanical device is feasible, safe, and might improve outcomes after in-hospital-resuscitation of PEA. Patients with PE may benefit from effective continuous chest compression, probably due to thrombus fragmentation and increased pulmonary artery blood flow.