Resuscitation
-
The work context of the general practitioner (GP) potentially lends itself to the provision of early community based, cardiac arrest care. GPs have traditionally encountered out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) as a component of routine patient care but have not been formally linked with the statutory ambulance service. Computer aided dispatch technology now allows real time GP text message alert to nearby cardiac arrest events. ⋯ Text alert activation of GPs to nearby OHCA events has proven feasible, with significant activity during the establishment period, but a low survival rate which is similar to the overall national OHCA survival rate. A high proportion of alerts do not involve resuscitation opportunities.
-
The aim of the present study was to assess the ability of the biomarkers neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S100 calcium-binding protein b (S100b) to predict mortality and poor neurologic outcome after 30days in patients admitted with severe accidental hypothermia. ⋯ In patients remaining unconscious the day following admission for severe accidental hypothermia, the biomarkers NSE and S100b appear to be solid predictors of mortality and poor neurologic outcome after 30days.
-
To develop a simple risk-score model for predicting in-hospital cardiac arrest (CA) among patients hospitalized with suspected non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). ⋯ A simple points score containing five variables readily available on admission predicts in-hospital CA for patients with suspected NSTE-ACS.
-
To examine whether introducing a national standard to improve the recognition of and response to clinical deterioration, was associated with a reduction in cardiovascular events in the hospital environment. ⋯ Introduction of a national standard for deteriorating hospitalised patients was associated with a reduction in the rates of in-hospital cardiac arrests and acute coronary syndromes in acute hospitals. Greatest benefit was seen in the elderly, female and surgical patients.
-
The World Health Organization's endorsement of the "Kids save lives" statement fosters the implementation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for school children worldwide. However, not every child achieves and maintains the recommended chest compression depth of 5-6cm. ⋯ A minimal excellence level of 25% is achievable by boys 12-14year and girls 14-16year and can be gradually improved to 60% and 90% according to age and gender. This might necessitate more exertion and training for some younger children, especially girls, and will probably be more easily achieved for children weighing >50kg.