Resuscitation
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This case report describes the first reported successful UK pre-hospital thoracotomy performed outside the London HEMS system. Continuous ECG monitoring during the procedure has allowed presentation of sequential ECGs recorded during the procedure.
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Various methods, including self-instruction, have been used to try to improve the acquisition of basic life support skills. This is a preliminary report of the effectiveness of a web-based self-training program for BLS and the use of an AED. ⋯ These results suggest that it may be possible to train people in BLS and AED skills using a micro-simulation web-based interactive program but without any practice on a manikin. This seems to be particularly the case for the use of an AED, where performance achieved a uniformly high standard.
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To report prospectively the outcome from prehospital cardiac arrest according to the Utstein template in the city of Tampere, Finland, with special reference to those patients in whom resuscitation was not attempted. ⋯ The Tampere EMS system initiated resuscitation less frequently than reported from other EMS systems, but the reasons to withhold resuscitation seemed justified. The overall and Utstein's 'golden standard' survival rates were comparable with previous reports.