Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
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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.
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Comparative Study
Out-of-hospital ventilation: bag--valve device vs transport ventilator.
To examine the patterns of out-of-hospital airway management and to compare the efficacy of bag-valve ventilation with that of the use of a transport ventilator for intubated patients. ⋯ In this sample, ET intubation was the most frequently used airway by EMS providers. When ET intubation was accomplished, adequate ventilation could be achieved using either bag-valve ventilation or a transport ventilator. Ventilation via the EOA proved inadequate.
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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.