Resuscitation
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Gaining hemostatic control of vascular injuries sustained in combat using topical agents remains a challenge. We previously developed a new hemostatic agent consisting of a granular combination of a smectite mineral and a superabsorbent polymer (WoundStattrade mark; WS) which demonstrated the ability to stop high pressure bleeding. We have since modified WS to contain only the smectite mineral and compared the performance of WS to QuikClot'strade mark zeolite granules (QCG) in a lethal vascular injury model. ⋯ WS consisting of just the smectite mineral was superior to QCG tested in this model. Additional study is warranted to determine its potential for use in combat and civilian trauma.
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This controlled, prospective, randomized porcine study tests the hypothesis that high-dose hyperbaric oxygen (HDHBO2) compared with normobaric oxygen (NBO2) or standard-dose hyperbaric oxygen (SDHBO2), improves return of sustained spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after a normothermic, normobaric, 25-min, non-intervened-upon cardiopulmonary arrest. The study incorporated a direct mechanical ventricular assist device (DMVAD) for open chest continuous cardiac compressions (OCCC) to assist advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). The experiment demonstrates a dose response to oxygen concentration in the breathing mix used in resuscitative ventilation. ⋯ Our results show significantly sustained ROSC using HDHBO2 to resuscitate swine after a 25-min, non-intervened-upon, normothermic cardiopulmonary arrest. These results could not be achieved using NBO2 or SDHBO2.
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An intention in 2003 to undertake a multicentre trial in the United Kingdom of compressions before and after defibrillation could not be realized because of concerns at the time in relation to informed consent. Instead, the new protocol was introduced in one ambulance service, ahead of the 2005 Guidelines, with greater emphasis on compressions. ⋯ The introduction of metronomes and the provision of feedback to crews led to major improvements in performance. Our experience has implications for the emergency pre-hospital care of cardiac arrest.
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To evaluate how often an ambulance crew reports abnormal breathing among patients who are found deeply unconscious but without having suffered a cardiac arrest. ⋯ Signs of abnormal breathing among comatose patients with no cardiac arrest appear to be relatively common. This therefore increases the risk of starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in such patients, which is in accordance with the present CPR guidelines for the lay person. Whether this might do harm to such patients is not known.
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Sequential monophasic defibrillation reduces transthoracic impedance (TTI) and progressively increases current flow for any given energy level. The effect of sequential biphasic shocks on TTI is unknown. We therefore studied patients undergoing elective cardioversion using a biphasic waveform to establish whether this is a phenomenon seen in the clinical setting. ⋯ Sequential biphasic defibrillation decreases TTI in a similar manner to that seen with monophasic waveforms. The effect is likely during defibrillation during cardiac arrest by the quick succession in which shocks are delivered and the lack of cutaneous blood flow which limits the inflammatory response. The ability of biphasic defibrillators to adjust their waveform according to TTI is likely to minimise any effect of these findings on defibrillation efficacy.