Resuscitation
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Effects and limitations of an AED with audiovisual feedback for cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a randomized manikin study.
Correctly performed basic life support (BLS) and early defibrillation are the most effective measures to treat sudden cardiac arrest. Audiovisual feedback improves BLS. Automated external defibrillators (AED) with feedback technology may play an important role in improving CPR quality. The aim of this simulation study was to investigate if an AED with audiovisual feedback improves CPR parameters during standard BLS performed by trained laypersons. ⋯ Use of an AED's audiovisual feedback system improved some CPR-quality parameters, thus confirming findings of earlier studies with the notable exception of decreased compression depth, which is a key parameter that might be linked to reduced cardiac output.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Combining video instruction followed by voice feedback in a self-learning station for acquisition of Basic Life Support skills: a randomised non-inferiority trial.
Current computerised self-learning (SL) stations for Basic Life Support (BLS) are an alternative to instructor-led (IL) refresher training but are not intended for initial skill acquisition. We developed a SL station for initial skill acquisition and evaluated its efficacy. ⋯ Compression skills acquired in a SL station combining video-instruction with training using voice feedback were not inferior to IL training.
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Comparative Study
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in young adults in Melbourne, Australia.
Characteristics and outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in young adults are not well described in Australia. ⋯ Survival to hospital discharge rates from OHCA due to a 'presumed cardiac' precipitant in young adults is much better than older adults, however, all cause OHCA survival is similar. Multi agency novel upstream preventive strategies aimed at tackling drug overdose may reduce this aetiology of OHCA and save lives.
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Comparative Study
Aeromedical transfer to reduce delay in primary angioplasty.
Aeromedical transfer can reduce transfer times for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Delays in dispatch of the helicopter and landing-reperfusion can reduce the benefits of air travel. The ad hoc nature of these transfers may compound delays. A formal aeromedical transfer service, with rapid dispatch protocols and rapid landing to balloon times could significantly reduce reperfusion times. ⋯ This SOP delivered sub 120 min call-balloon times in all cases undergoing PPCI from difficult locations where anticipated land journeys were >30 min. With longer anticipated land journeys (or more remote locations) the proportional gains with air transfer will be greater. Subject to a formal SOP and very rapid landing-balloon times, aeromedical transfer can significantly reduce the number of patients suffering long reperfusion delays in acute myocardial infarction.