Resuscitation
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The unintentional print-out by two different software programmes of the same resuscitation-related events stored on a data card of a Laerdal FR2-automated external defibrillator (AED), led to the discovery of flaws in the registration of the time line by one of the commercially available Laerdal software programmes. This observation stresses the need for a continuation of the medical supervision of AED projects, the close co-operation between clinicians and AED manufacturers, the well-controlled introduction of new devices and strict postmarket surveillance programmes.
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After successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation, acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may be documented. We investigated the incidence and prognosis of patients admitted to our department between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2004. Among 2393 consecutive patients with STEMI, 135 (5.7%) presented after a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). ⋯ Hospital survival among comatose patients was 51% and hospital survival with cerebral performance category (CPC) 1 or 2 was 29%. Accordingly, outcome of patients with STEMI who regain consciousness after ROSC and undergo primary PCI is comparable to patients without cardiac arrest. This is in contrast with comatose survivors who, despite aggressive reperfusion treatment, had a significantly worse outcome.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Compression force-depth relationship during out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Recent clinical studies reporting the high frequency of inadequate chest compression depth (<38 mm) during CPR, have prompted the question if adult human chest characteristics render it difficult to attain the recommended compression depth in certain patients. ⋯ In most out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims adequate chest compression depth can be achieved by a force<50 kg, indicating that an average sized and fit rescuer should be able to perform effective CPR in most adult patients.
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Multicenter Study
Advanced cardiac life support training improves long-term survival from in-hospital cardiac arrest.
Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) training was introduced to bring order and a systematic approach to the treatment of cardiac arrest by professional responders. In spite of the wide dissemination of ACLS training, it has been difficult to demonstrate improved outcome following such training. ⋯ The presence of at least one ACLS-trained team member at in-hospital resuscitation efforts increases both short and long-term survival following cardiac arrest.