Resuscitation
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Epidemiology and outcomes of poisoning-induced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
We aimed to describe and compare the epidemiologic features and outcomes among patients with poisoning-induced out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (POHCAs) according to causative agent groups. ⋯ Using a nationwide OHCA registry, we found that poisonings were responsible for 4.4% of OHCAs of a non-cardiac aetiology. Ingestion of insecticides including organophosphate and carbamate was associated with more favourable outcomes.
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Ethical guidelines on out-of-hospital cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are designed to provide substantial guidance for the people who have to make decisions and deal with situations in the real world. The crucial question is whether it is possible to formulate practical guidelines that will make things somewhat easier for ambulance personnel. The aims of this article are to address the ethical aspects related to out-of-hospital CPR, primarily to decisions on not starting or terminating resuscitation attempts, using the views and experience of ambulance personnel as a starting point, and to summarise the key points in a practice guideline on the subject.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Resuscitation of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in residential aged care facilities in Melbourne, Australia.
CPR in patients in residential aged care facilities (RACF) deserves careful consideration. We examined the characteristics, management and outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in RACF patients in Melbourne, Australia. ⋯ Resuscitation of patients in RACF is not futile. However, informed decisions concerning resuscitation status should be made by patients and their families on entry to a RACF. Where it is appropriate to perform resuscitation, outcomes may be improved by the provision of BLS training and possibly AED equipment to RACF staff.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Practice variability among the EMS systems participating in Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES).
To describe the demographic, organizational and provider characteristics of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies participating in the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES). ⋯ Differences were observed between the EMS agencies participating in CARES. The clinical impact of these observed differences in agency and provider characteristics on OHCA outcomes deserves study.
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Comparative Study
Impact of resuscitation system errors on survival from in-hospital cardiac arrest.
An estimated 350,000-750,000 adult, in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) events occur annually in the United States. The impact of resuscitation system errors on survival during IHCA resuscitation has not been evaluated. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the impact of resuscitation system errors on survival to hospital discharge after IHCA. ⋯ The presence of resuscitation system errors that are evident from review of the resuscitation record is associated with decreased survival from IHCA in adults. Hospitals should target the training of first responders and code team personnel to emphasize the importance of early defibrillation, early use of vasoconstrictor medication, and compliance with ACLS protocols.