Resuscitation
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Ventilation rate is a confounding factor for interpretation of end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The aim of our study was to model the effect of ventilation rate on ETCO2 during manual CPR in adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). ⋯ Capnogram interpretation during CPR is challenging since many factors influence ETCO2. For adequate interpretation, we need to know the effect of each factor on ETCO2. Our model allows quantifying the effect of ventilation rate on ETCO2 variation. Our findings could contribute to better interpretation of ETCO2 during CPR.
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Early recognition of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) by 9-1-1 dispatchers is a critical first step along the resuscitation pathway. Barriers to recognition may lead to adverse outcomes among patients. This study aims to determine the impact of seizure-like activity among OHCA patients during 9-1-1 calls. ⋯ Reported seizure-like activity among patients in cardiac arrest poses a barrier to recognition of cardiac arrests by dispatchers leading to delays in resuscitation instructions.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Predicting intensive care unit admission and death for COVID-19 patients in the emergency department using early warning scores.
To identify the most accurate early warning score (EWS) for predicting an adverse outcome in COVID-19 patients admitted to the emergency department (ED). ⋯ In our single-centre cohort of COVID-19 patients, NEWS and REMS measured on ED arrival were the most sensitive predictors of 7-day ICU admission or death. EWS could be useful to identify patients with low risk of clinical deterioration.
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The defibrillator prompt, which directs callers to retrieve a defibrillator during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, is crucial to the emergency call because it can save lives. We evaluated communicative effectiveness of the prompt instated by the Medical Priority Dispatch System™ Version 13, namely: if there is a defibrillator (AED) available, send someone to get it now, and tell me when you have it. ⋯ While the Version 13 prompt aims to ensure the use of an available automatic external defibrillator, its effectiveness is undermined by the three-clause composition of the prompt and exclusion of a question structure. We recommend testing of a re-phrased defibrillator prompt in order to maximise comprehension and caller action.
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Observational Study
Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for acute aortic dissection during cardiac arrest: A nationwide retrospective observational study.
Acute aortic dissection (AAD) has been considered a contraindication for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). However, studies are lacking regarding the epidemiology and effectiveness of ECPR for AAD. We aimed to examine whether ECPR for AAD during refractory cardiac arrest is effective. ⋯ ECPR successfully improved outcomes and/or facilitated surgery for a small number of AAD patients with refractory cardiac arrest; however, the cost burden of ECPR for AAD patients may be unacceptably high.