Resuscitation
-
An investigation of inter-shock timing and electrode placement for double-sequential defibrillation.
Double-Sequential Defibrillation (DSD) is the near-simultaneous use of two defibrillators to treat refractory VF. We hypothesized that (1) risk of DSD-associated defibrillator damage depends on shock vector and (2) the efficacy of DSD depends on inter-shock time. ⋯ University of Alabama at Birmingham Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) Protocol Number 06860.
-
The incidence of cardiac arrest (CA) in nursing homes is rising. Our objective was to compare nursing home CAs with at-home CAs in patients aged 65 and over with regard to the CAs' characteristics, the use and characteristics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the outcome. ⋯ Nursing home residents who experience a CA are less likely to receive CPR from a MICU. If CPR is performed, however, the residents' prognosis is no worse than that of patients treated at home.
-
Knowledge about the effect of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) of non-cardiac origin is lacking. We aimed to investigate the association between bystander CPR and survival in OHCA of presumed non-cardiac origin. ⋯ Bystander CPR was associated with a higher chance of 30-day survival among OHCA of presumed non-cardiac origin regardless of the underlying cause (medical/non-medical). Rates of bystander CPR and 30-day survival improved during the study period.
-
Comparative Study
Closed chest compressions reduce survival in an animal model of haemorrhage-induced traumatic cardiac arrest.
Closed chest compressions (CCC) are recommended for medical cardiac arrest, but there is little evidence to support their inclusion for traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA). This laboratory study evaluated CCC following haemorrhage-induced TCA and whether resuscitation with blood improved survival compared to saline. The study was conducted with the authority of UK Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (received institutional ethical approval and a Home Office Licence) using 39 terminally anesthetised, instrumented, juvenile Large White pigs. ⋯ Some significant differences were present at the end of the Resuscitation Phase for Group 4 versus Group 2 but these differences were no longer present by Study End. CCC were associated with increased mortality and compromised haemodynamics compared to intravenous fluid resuscitation. Whole blood resuscitation was better than saline.
-
Editorial Comment
Shocking Insights on Double Defibrillation: How, When and Why Not?