Resuscitation
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We investigated the national early warning scores (NEWSs) and related outcomes of patients in a tertiary referral center's multidisciplinary emergency department (ED). Patients were further categorized into three groups: triaged directly to intensive care unit (EDICU), triaged to general ward with later ICU admission (EDwardICU) and triaged to general ward (EDward). NEWSs and subsequent outcomes among these sub groups were compared. ⋯ ED-NEWS is independently associated with in-hospital and 30-day mortality with acceptable discrimination capability. Direct and late ICU admissions occurred with comparable NEWSs at admission.
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Shockable cardiac rhythms are associated with improved outcomes among out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA). Initial cardiac rhythm may also be predictive of a short preceding no-flow duration. We examined the relationship between no-flow duration and initial cardiac rhythm, which may demonstrate the urgency in rescuer response and assist with candidacy evaluation for extracorporeal-cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). ⋯ The odds of a shockable initial rhythm declined with each additional minute of no-flow time, highlighting the importance of early access to defibrillation. Among those with initial shockable rhythms, the preceding no-flow duration was highly likely to be under 10 min, which may inform decisions about ECPR candidacy among select patients with unwitnessed arrests.
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Observational Study
Timing of advanced airway management by emergency medical services personnel following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A population-based cohort study.
Early prehospital advanced airway management (AAM) by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel has been intended to improve patient outcomes from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). However, few studies examine the effectiveness of early prehospital AAM. We investigated whether early prehospital AAM was associated with functionally favourable survival after adult OHCA. ⋯ Earlier prehospital AAM by EMS personnel was associated with functionally better survival among adult patients who received AAM.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of two sedation regimens during targeted temperature management after cardiac arrest.
Although guidelines on post-resuscitation care recommend the use of short-acting agents for sedation during targeted temperature management (TTM) after cardiac arrest (CA), the potential advantages of this strategy have not been clinically demonstrated. ⋯ During TTM following resuscitation from CA, sedation with propofol-remifentanil was associated with significantly earlier awakening and more ventilator-free days as compared with midazolam-fentanyl.
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Observational Study
Work factors associated with return to work in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors.
Although the survival rate after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has increased over time, little is known about the return to work of OHCA survivors. We aim to evaluate prevalence and factors associated with return to work (RTW) in OHCA survivors. ⋯ Two thirds of OHCA survivors, in the present study, returned to work. Patients with a higher-level job, and with the arrest occurring in the workplace, were more likely to return to work. Further research should include more details of job contents, evolution, financial consequences, as well as prevention practices related to work location.