Resuscitation
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Mouth-to-mouth ventilation is superior to mouth-to-pocket mask and bag-valve-mask ventilation during lifeguard CPR: a randomized study.
The quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a crucial determinant of outcome following cardiac arrest. Interruptions in chest compressions are detrimental. We aimed to compare the effect of mouth-to-mouth ventilation (MMV), mouth-to-pocket mask ventilation (MPV) and bag-valve-mask ventilation (BMV) on the quality of CPR. ⋯ MMV reduces interruptions in chest compressions and produces a higher proportion of effective ventilations during lifeguard CPR. This suggests that CPR quality is improved using MMV compared to MPV and BMV.
-
Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Point prevalence of patients fulfilling MET criteria in ten MET equipped hospitals. The methodology of the RESCUE study.
The RESCUE study examined the prevalence of patients at risk of a medical emergency in acute care settings by assessing the prevalence of cases where patients fulfil the hospital-specific criteria for MET activation. This article will detail the study methodology including the ethics applications and approvals process, organisational preparation, research staff training, tools for data collection, as well as barriers encountered during the conduct of the study. ⋯ In conducting a large multi-site point prevalence study, critical organisational processes were shown to influence the access to patients. This study demonstrated the impact of variation in Human Research Ethics Committee interpretations of protocols on consenting processes and the importance of communication and leadership at ward level to promote access to patients.
-
Multicenter Study Comparative Study
A comparison of major trauma patients transported to trauma centres vs. non-trauma centres in metropolitan Perth.
Some major trauma patients in metropolitan Perth (area 5000 km(2)) are initially transported to a secondary hospital (non-trauma centre), rather than directly to a tertiary hospital (trauma centre). They are subsequently transferred to a tertiary hospital. We compared outcomes from these different systems of care. ⋯ There is an equivalent risk of major trauma death in these two systems of care. In our metropolitan area, we were unable to demonstrate a mortality benefit associated with time.
-
Comparative Study
Repeated magnetic resonance imaging and cerebral performance after cardiac arrest--a pilot study.
Prognostication may be difficult in comatose cardiac arrest survivors. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is potentially useful in the prediction of neurological outcome, and it may detect acute ischemia at an early stage. In a pilot setting we determined the prevalence and development of cerebral ischemia using serial MRI examinations and neurological assessment. ⋯ MRI performed in an early phase after cardiac arrest has limitations, as MRI performed after 24 and 96 h revealed ischemic lesions not detectable on admission. ADC was related to the core temperature, and not to the volume distributed intravenously. Follow-up neurophysiologic tests and self-reported quality of life were good.
-
Comparative Study
Benefits and shortcomings of mandatory first aid and basic life support courses for learner drivers.
Annually, more than 127,000 people are killed and at least 2.4 million people injured in road accidents in Europe. Consequently, in half of all countries in the European Union a first aid and basic life support course has become mandatory for learner drivers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of this course on participants' knowledge and self-assessed first aid and basic life support skills. ⋯ A mandatory course for learner drivers significantly improves participants' knowledge and their self-assessed skills in first aid and basic life support. However, improvements of the course should be considered on a number of key topics.