Resuscitation
-
Comparative Study
Factors associated with a change in functional outcome between one month and six months after cardiac arrest: a retrospective cohort study.
The appropriate time point of evaluation of functional outcome in cardiac arrest survivors remains a matter of debate. In this cohort study we posed the hypothesis that there are no significant changes in Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) between one month and six months after out-of hospital cardiac arrest. If changes were present we aimed to identify reasons for these changes. ⋯ There is a relevant change of functional outcome even one month after out-of hospital cardiac arrest. Especially when studies compare patient groups with unequal arrest times, and an unequal distribution of initial cardiac rhythms a follow-up period longer than one month should be considered for the final outcome evaluation after cardiac arrest.
-
Comparative Study
Characteristics of out-of-hospital paediatric emergencies attended by ambulance- and helicopter-based emergency physicians.
In Germany, as in many other countries, for the vast majority of cases, critical out-of-hospital (OOH) paediatric emergencies are attended by non-specialised emergency physicians (EPs). As it is assumed that this may lead to deficient service we aimed to gather robust data on the characteristics of OOH paediatric emergencies. ⋯ Our data suggest that EPs need to be particularly confident with the care of children suffering respiratory disorders, convulsions, and trauma. The incidence of severe paediatric OOH emergencies requiring advanced interventions is higher in HEMS-attended cases. However, well-developed skills in airway management, CPR, and intraosseous canulation in children are essential for all EPs.
-
Comparative Study
Hospital employees improve basic life support skills and confidence with a personal resuscitation manikin and a 24-min video instruction.
The use of a personal resuscitation manikin with video instruction is reportedly as effective as traditional instructor-led courses in teaching lay people basic life support (BLS). We applied this method to an entire hospital staff to determine its effect on their practical and self-judged BLS skills. ⋯ After distributing a personal resuscitation manikin with video instruction to an entire hospital staff, the median number of correctly performed chest compressions doubled and self-confidence in BLS skills improved significantly. This is a simple and less time-consuming method than instructor-led courses in preparing hospital employees in the basic handling of cardiac arrest.
-
Comment Letter Case Reports
Hyperinsulinaemia may impair outcome after hypothermic cardiac arrest.
-
Letter Case Reports
How low can you go: a case presentation on a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis.