Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
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To describe the use of a noninvasive bi-level positive airway pressure (PAP) support system for ED patients with acute congestive heart failure (CHF). ⋯ Noninvasive pressure support ventilation with a bi-level PAP support system may avert ETI in acute CHF patients. This device can be effectively used by ED personnel.
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To assess the feasibility of a brief comprehensive case-finding program for detecting functional, cognitive, and social impairments among elderly ED patients and to estimate the prevalence of unknown, undetected, or untreated impairments elderly patients may have. ⋯ A brief comprehensive case-finding program for functional, cognitive, and social impairment among elderly ED patients is feasible. The screening uncovered a significant amount of morbidity among older patients visiting EDs.
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A previously healthy 32-year-old man presented to the ED in complete heart block. Ischemic, infectious, and inflammatory conditions were considered in the differential diagnosis. Management options for complete heart block, the etiology of heart block in young adults, and treatment guidelines are reviewed.
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Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Chest compression and ventilation rates during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: the effects of audible tone guidance.
To determine: 1) whether chest compressions during CPR are being performed according to American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines during cardiac arrest; and 2) the effect of an audio prompt to guide chest compressions on compliance with AHA guidelines and hemodynamic parameters associated with successful resuscitation. ⋯ The majority of Basic Cardiac Life Support--certified health care professionals did not perform CPR according to AHA-recommended guidelines. The use of audible tones to guide chest compression resulted in significantly higher chest compression rates and ETCO2 levels.
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To use an electronic model of human circulation to compare the hemodynamic effects of different durations of chest compression during external CPR, both with and without interposed abdominal compression (IAC). ⋯ Combined high-impulse chest compressions and IACs maximize blood flow during CPR in the electrical analog model of human circulation.