Resuscitation
-
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the demographic characteristics of patients who suffered cardiac arrest in our intensive care units (ICUs) as well as to identify those factors influencing outcome after resuscitation following cardiac arrest. ⋯ Several factors affect the outcome from CPR. However, quicker triage to ICU, closer monitoring along with prompt intervention might minimise the consequences of cardiac arrest and its complications.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Comparison of three simulation-based training methods for management of medical emergencies.
Trainee medical officers (TMOs) participated in a study comparing three methods of simulation-based training to treat medical emergencies occurring in a hospital setting. The methods were: All groups had the same total teaching time. Participants (n=61) had an initial (pre-training) assessment by written tests, self assessment and simulations of medical emergencies ('VT' and 'HYPOglycaemia'). ⋯ In the 'ANA' scenario, Group 3 had far better test scores, especially in behavioural items. There did not appear to be any significant advantage of using whole body manikins over CSBT and simple part-task trainers. Full-mission simulation training helped develop the ability to recognise when skills learnt to manage one type of medical emergency can be useful in managing another emergency not previously encountered.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Optimal refresher training intervals for AED and CPR skills: a randomised controlled trial.
To determine the optimal refresher training interval for lay volunteer responders in the English National Defibrillator Programme who had previously undertaken a conventional 4-h initial class and a first refresher class at 6 months. ⋯ This study shows that the ability to deliver countershocks is maintained whether the second refresher class is held at seven or 12 months after the first. To limit skill deterioration between classes, however, refresher training intervals should not exceed 7 months. The quality of instruction given should be monitored carefully. Learning and teaching strategies require review to improve skill acquisition and maintenance.
-
Implementing prehospital advanced life support (ALS) services requires more medical and societal resources in training and equipment. The actual demand for ALS services in our communities was not clear. To ensure good use of expensive resources, it is important to evaluate the demand and appropriateness of ALS services before full-scale implementation takes place. ⋯ Around nine percent of EMS calls demand ALS services. The current triage performance for proper ALS dispatch was suboptimal. A correct ALS dispatch protocol and more dispatcher training programmes should be established in the communities to ensure best use of valuable ALS resources.