Resuscitation
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Advanced life support (ALS) in a cardiac arrest is usually performed by a team consisting of three people. The medical team of a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) often consists of two rescuers only. Due to that reason an algorithm was developed to provide ALS with two people. During the initial phase the rescuer in the over-the-head position provides one man CPR while the second rescuer prepares all advanced measures. When all preparations are complete both rescuers are able to provide ALS. ⋯ We proved the feasibility of the algorithm in a manikin setting. Further observations have to prove the algorithm in real CPR situations.
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Supplementary oxygen is used routinely during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). High ambient oxygen levels from ventilation circuits have caused fatal fires and explosions. The Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System (LUCAS) device is driven by > 70 l min(-1) oxygen which is also likely to increase ambient oxygen concentrations and cause similar risk of fire and explosion. This study used simulated CPR with a LUCAS device to measure resulting ambient oxygen concentrations and assess safety of the device. ⋯ The use of oxygen to drive the LUCAS device results in a rapid increase in ambient oxygen concentration to levels likely to risk injury or death from fire. Ambulance services and hospitals using the device must be alerted to these dangers immediately.
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Biography Historical Article
Resuscitation great. Joseph O'Dwyer and laryngeal intubation for croup.
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Review
Near death experiences, cognitive function and psychological outcomes of surviving cardiac arrest.
Cardiac arrest is associated with a number of cognitive processes as well as long term psychological outcomes. Recent studies have indicated that approximately 10-20% of cardiac arrest survivors report cognitive processes, including the ability to recall specific details of their resuscitation from the period of cardiac arrest. ⋯ There have also been numerous studies that have indicated that although the quality of life for cardiac arrest survivors is generally good, some are left with long term cognitive impairments as well as psychological sequelae such as post-traumatic stress disorder. This paper will review near death experiences, cognitive function and psychological outcomes in survivors of cardiac arrest.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Prospective, randomized trial of the effectiveness and retention of 30-min layperson training for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillators: The American Airlines Study.
A head-to-head trial was conducted to compare laypersons' long-term retention of life-saving psychomotor and cognitive skills learned in the traditional multi-hour training format for basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator use to those learned in an abbreviated (30 min) course. ⋯ Using innovative learning techniques, 30-min cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator training is as effective as traditional multi-hour courses, even after 6 months. Thirty-minute courses should decrease labor intensity, demands on resources, and time commitments for cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses, thus facilitating more widespread and frequent retraining.