Prehospital emergency care : official journal of the National Association of EMS Physicians and the National Association of State EMS Directors
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Cardiac arrest center (CAC) criteria are not well defined, nor is their potential impact on current emergency medical services (EMS) transportation practices for post-cardiac arrest (PCA) patients. In addition to the availability of emergent cardiac catheterization (CATH) and therapeutic hypothermia (TH), high-volume centers and those with PCA protocols have been associated with improved outcomes. Objectives. This study aimed 1) to identify the PCA treatment capabilities of receiving hospitals in a 10-county regional EMS system without official CAC designation and 2) to determine the proportion of PCA patients who are transported to hospitals meeting three proposed CAC definitions. We hypothesized that a majority of patients are already transported to hospitals that meet proposed CAC criteria. ⋯ In a region without official CAC designation, only one-third of hospitals meet basic CAC criteria (CATH and TH), but those facilities receive 81% of PCA patients. Fewer patients (66%) are transported to hospitals meeting more stringent CAC criteria. These data describe the potential impact of developing a CAC policy based on current transportation practices.
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To determine whether prehospital providers can successfully place a pediatric King laryngeal tube (LT-D) and ventilate a Laerdal SimBaby pediatric simulator during a respiratory arrest simulation. ⋯ The pediatric King LT-D was quickly and reliably placed. Providers perceived the pediatric King LT-D to be easier to use than pediatric endotracheal intubation in this setting.
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While prior studies describe the clinical presentation of patients requiring paramedic out-of-hospital endotracheal intubation (ETI), limited data characterize the underlying medical conditions or comorbidities. ⋯ The majority of successful paramedic ETIs occur on patients with cardiac arrest and circulatory and respiratory conditions. Injuries, poisonings, and other conditions compromise smaller but important portions of the paramedic ETI pool. Patients undergoing ETI have multiple comorbidities. These findings may guide the systemic planning of paramedic airway management care and education.
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Some studies have shown improved outcomes with helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) transport, while others have not. Safety concerns and cost have prompted reevaluation of the widespread use of HEMS. ⋯ The use of HEMS for the transport of adult trauma patients was associated with reduced mortality for patients aged 18-54 years. In this study, HEMS did not improve mortality in adults aged ≥ 55 years. Identification of additional variables in the selection of those patients who will benefit from HEMS transport is expected to enhance this reduction in mortality.