Archives of emergency medicine
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Twenty-seven patients in cardiopulmonary arrest had simultaneous measurements of arterial and central venous blood gases during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with a pneumatic chest comparison and ventilation device. Mean central venous and arterial hydrogen ion concentrations, PCO2 and calculated bicarbonate concentrations were significantly different (P less than 0.01) at all sampling times (0, 10 and 20 min). Central venous blood samples predominantly showed a respiratory acidosis in contrast to a mixed disturbance in arterial samples inclined towards a metabolic acidosis. ⋯ Measurement of arterial Po2 indicated adequate oxygenation using the pneumatic device. Arterial blood gas analysis alone does not reflect tissue acid base status. Bicarbonate administration during CPR may have adverse effects and any decision as to its use should be based on central venous blood gas estimations.
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Definitive airway control which may require endotracheal intubation with or without an induction agent and muscle relaxant is an essential component of trauma resuscitation. We reviewed the delivery of advanced airway care in the resuscitation room of a regional trauma centre. This prospective survey suggests that in the absence of an experienced anaesthetist, A&E staff with a background of suitable training and experience may undertake the anaesthetic responsibility associated with securing a definitive airway when the situation demands.
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to determine whether the use of a helicopter ambulance unit enabled an ambulance service to deliver acutely traumatized patients to hospital more quickly. ⋯ until a more effective helicopter deployment strategy is in operation it is unlikely that mission time savings will occur.
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Comparative Study
Intracardiac therapy following emergency thoracotomy in the accident and emergency department: an experimental model.
For a select group of patients with penetrating chest trauma, immediate thoracotomy in the accident and emergency department offers the only chance of survival. Foley catheters have been used to achieve haemostasis in cardiac wounds but are not widely used for intracardiac fluid and drug administration during resuscitation. In an anatomical model designed to assess this procedure an average flow rate of 275 ml min-1 was achieved. The equipment required is readily available and easily assembled.