Prehospital emergency care : official journal of the National Association of EMS Physicians and the National Association of State EMS Directors
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This systematic review aims to determine the effectiveness of ambulance transportation versus helicopter transportation on mortality for trauma patients. ⋯ This systematic review found that adjusted analyses consistently favored air transport over ground transport. Unadjusted analyses showed no significant difference between the two modes of transport, except in specific subgroups. Further subgroup analyses revealed notable disparities between the two modalities, suggesting that these differences may be influenced by multiple factors. These findings highlight the need for further research to clarify the true impact of transport modality on trauma outcomes.
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Recent studies have shown inconsistent results regarding the association between QRS characteristics and survival outcomes in patients with cardiac arrest and pulseless electrical activity (PEA) rhythms. This meta-analysis aimed to identify the usefulness of QRS width and frequency as prognostic tools for outcomes in patients with cardiac arrest and PEA rhythm. ⋯ Wide QRS width or low QRS frequency is associated with increased odds of mortality in patients with PEA cardiac arrest. These findings may be beneficial to guide the disposition of cardiac arrest patients with PEA during resuscitation.
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Cognitive load refers to the working memory resources required during a task. When the load is too high or too low this has implications for an individual's task performance. In the context of paramedicine and emergency medical services (EMS) broadly, high cognitive load could potentially put patient and personnel safety at risk. This systematic review aimed to determine the current understanding of the role of cognitive load in paramedical contexts. ⋯ From these findings it was determined that there is agreement in terms of what factors influence cognitive load in paramedical contexts, such as cognitive processes, task complexity, physical expenditure, level of experience, multiple types of loads, and the use of equipment. Cognitive load influences clinical task performance and has a bi-directional relationship with emotion. However, the literature is mixed regarding physiological responses to cognitive load, and how they are best measured. These findings highlight potential intervention points where cognitive load can be managed or reduced to improve working conditions for EMS clinicians and safety for their patients.
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Cognitive load refers to the working memory resources required during a task. When the load is too high or too low this has implications for an individual's task performance. In the context of paramedicine and emergency medical services (EMS) broadly, high cognitive load could potentially put patient and personnel safety at risk. This systematic review aimed to determine the current understanding of the role of cognitive load in paramedical contexts. ⋯ From these findings it was determined that there is agreement in terms of what factors influence cognitive load in paramedical contexts, such as cognitive processes, task complexity, physical expenditure, level of experience, multiple types of loads, and the use of equipment. Cognitive load influences clinical task performance and has a bi-directional relationship with emotion. However, the literature is mixed regarding physiological responses to cognitive load, and how they are best measured. These findings highlight potential intervention points where cognitive load can be managed or reduced to improve working conditions for EMS clinicians and safety for their patients.