Resuscitation
-
In response to a possible terrorist threat using nuclear, biological or chemical (NBC) weapons, the US government has set up a special Domestic Preparedness Program which includes a training section for paramedical and other responders to bridge the gap between a conventional HAZMAT incident and one involving NBC agents. The program, which is a partnership between six federal agencies, covers aspects of recognition and management of incidents which may not be within the normal experience of emergency medical services personnel, and builds upon their existing knowledge and training.
-
Comparative Study
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: errors made by pre-hospital emergency medical personnel.
The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the CPR techniques of emergency healthcare professionals (emergency medical technicians, firemen, emergency first responders, CPR instructors). Skills were evaluated using a Laerdal Skillmeter Manikin, which provided a computerized printout of the quantifiable data during the CPR sequence. All of the 66 subjects in the study had completed a recertification course within the last 2 years (mean = 0.86 +/- 0.18, 95% CI). ⋯ Although 94% of participants attempted to verify a carotid pulse, only 45% were able to feel it and therefore stop performing cardiac massage. Of the total ventilations, 49% were below the American Heart Association (AHA) recommended minimum (800 ml). The results of this study showed a high rate of errors occurring in the CPR provided by emergency healthcare professionals.
-
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between leadership behaviour, team dynamics and task performance. ⋯ Leaders must build a structure within a resuscitation team in order for them to perform effectively. An emergency leadership training programme is essential to enhance the performance of leaders and their teams.
-
Comparative Study
Intra-aortic administration of epinephrine above aortic occlusion does not alter outcome of experimental cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Intra-aortic balloon occlusion during experimental cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) improves coronary perfusion pressure and resuscitability and provides unique access to the central circulation. It has been hypothesized that administration of epinephrine into the aortic arch in combination with aortic occlusion would further improve haemodynamics during CPR, resuscitability and 24 h survival. In 16 anaesthetised dogs intravascular catheters were placed for hemodynamic and blood gas monitoring. ⋯ Furthermore with respect to 24 h survival, there was no difference between the experimental group (2/8) and the control group (3/8). Severe macroscopic haemorrhagic necrosis of the myocardium in the dogs with ROSC was found in 4/5 in the experimental group compared to 1/4 in the control group. In conclusion, intra-aortic administration of 100 microg/kg epinephrine doses combined with aortic occlusion during experimental CPR did not alter outcome.