Pediatric emergency care
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Pediatric emergency care · Apr 1993
Review Practice Guideline GuidelinePediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation: an update based on the new American Heart Association guidelines.
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Pediatric emergency care · Apr 1993
Comparative StudyAn evaluation of the physical and functional characteristics of infant resuscitators.
Self-inflating resuscitators (SIRs) are commonly used to assist ventilation in the newborn. Despite their widespread use, there is limited information available on the functional and physical characteristics of SIRs. We studied five new infant bag-valve units to compare their physical characteristics, including reservoir, accumulator, and dead space volumes (VD), pressure relief mechanism (PRM), inspiratory resistance (RI), and functional mechanics including stroke volume (SV), fraction of delivered oxygen (FDO2), and cycle frequency at -5 degrees C, 20 degrees C, and 49 degrees C, using a test lung apparatus and experienced respiratory therapists. ⋯ However, the following deficiencies were noted: 1) MPR and Pulmanex had no PRM (ASTM requirement); 2) MPR could not cycle at -5 degrees C; 3) the VDs for Pulmanex (10 ml) and MPR (15 ml) were high; 4) the CPR connector broke during normal use, and the MPR connector frequently disconnected; 5) the Laerdal expiratory valve was incompetent; and 6) the Laerdal and CPR could be misassembled for use. Our study shows that some commercially available SIRs do not meet all CSA and ASTM standards and may not be ideal in specific clinical situations. The choice of a SIR may be dictated by the clinical situation in which its use is intended.
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Pediatric emergency care · Apr 1993
Comparative StudyTransport stabilization times for neonatal and pediatric patients prior to interfacility transfer.
The stabilization times for 2863 neonatal and pediatric interfacility transports are reported. Appropriate stabilization of the sick neonate and pediatric patients prior to transfer is considered essential to reduce the adverse events that may otherwise occur during the transfer process. ⋯ These times can be used by other transport systems to evaluate their services through quality assurance, as well as for staff and budgeting purposes. New interventions that reduce stabilization times can be evaluated with these times as a reference.