Abstract 146: Evaluation of Out-of-hospital Ventricular Fibrillation Cardiac Arrest Management, With a Simulation Method

Abstract

Introduction: Feed-back on quality of CPR is an important aspect to consider on cardiac arrest management. This has been pointed out during trainings organized for emergency medicine residents. In parallel, RéAC registry (registry on cardiac arrests in France) showed some difficulties in following guidelines of VF.The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) in the management of patients in cardiac arrest through the use of external chest compression (CC) data from the Resusci Anne Simulator manikin from Laerdal (SimMan®), equipped with SimPad SkillReporter. Methodology: During 2nd to 6th of March 2015, 18 EMS teams (1 physician, 1 paramedic and 1 nurse) were asked to manage a VF on a Resusci Anne Simulator manikin. This allowed the direct measurement of CC quality parameters and the evaluation of decision algorithm, through the use of a same scenario. The scenario was introduced to each team at the beginning of each session. At first, the “patient” was still conscious, on a stretcher and had a ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. While the patient was installed in the ambulance, he suddenly had a FV cardiac arrest that could be detected on monitoring devices (time 0 of simulation). VF lasted for 10 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of asystole. The manikin software displayed the different parameters as the scenario progressed. The simulation was performed on a stretcher in an EMS premise, with the same equipment and monitoring devices as in an advanced life support ambulance (ALS). Results: CC were performed 71% of CPR time. CC depth was considered as non-compliant to guidelines in 28% of cases, with a mean depth of 4.4 cm, compressions with complete release in 37% of cases. Mean compression rate was 122/minute and was correct in 49% of cases. One third used Amiodarone after the third shock. 13/18 teams resumed chest compressions immediately after defibrillation attempts. Conclusion: This study shows the difficulty to strictly follow guidelines. According to participants, the massage was considered as more difficult with a manikin rather than on a real patient. Although cardiac arrest occurring during transportation is quite rare, quality of CPR at pre-hospital level should be improved.