Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Program Research Articles

Effects of Dispatcher-Assisted Public-Access Defibrillation Programs on the Outcomes of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Before-and-After Study.

Public access defibrillation (PAD) programs have been implemented globally over the past decade. Although PAD can substantially increase the survival of cardiac arrest, PAD use remains low. This study aimed to evaluate whether drawing upon the successful experiences of dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation programs would increase the use of PAD in dispatcher-assisted PAD programs. This study using a before-and-after design was conducted in Taoyuan City using a local out-of-hospital cardiac arrest registry system and data of dispatcher performance derived from audio recordings. The primary outcomes were the rate of bystander PAD use, sustained return of spontaneous circulation, survival to discharge, and favorable neurological outcomes. The secondary outcomes were the performance of dispatchers in terms of PAD instruction and dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation administration, the time interval indicators of dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A total of 1159 patients were included and divided into 2 groups: the before-run-in group (502 patients) and the after-run-in group (657 patients). No significant difference was observed between the 2 groups in terms of baseline characteristics. The rate of PAD use in the after-run-in group significantly increased from 5.0% to8.7% (P=0.015). The rate of favorable neurological outcomes increased from 4.4% to 5.9%, which was not a statistically significant difference. Compared with the before-run-in group, the rate of successful automated external defibrillator acquisition was 13.5% in the after-run-in group (P<0.001). Implementing a dispatcher-assisted PAD protocol in a municipality setting significantly increased bystander PAD use without affecting dispatcher performance in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest recognition, cardiopulmonary resuscitation instruction, or dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation time indicators.

Building an Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Program at a High-volume Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Center

Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (ECPR) is an emerging approach to cardiac arrest. We present two contrasting cases from a high-volume extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) center (defined as greater than 30 ECMO cases per year) without a 24/7 ECPR program to highlight how to establish an ECPR program with a focus on patient selection and outcome optimization. In one case, a patient presented with cardiac arrest during initial triage for chest pain within the emergency department, and in the other case, a patient experienced an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with prolonged no-flow and low-flow time. Despite the lack of a 24/7 ECPR program at the presenting center, both patients received an ECPR evaluation, as both patients presented while all services necessary for ECMO cannulation were available. The in-hospital cardiac arrest patient was successfully cannulated for ECMO during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and survived with few complications. The out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patient was deemed a poor candidate for ECPR and expired soon after presentation. These two cases highlight the complex decision-making in ECPR and further illustrate how to create ECPR protocols at a high-volume ECMO center before resources are available for a 24/7 ECPR program.

비보건계열 대학생 대상 시뮬레이션 기반 심폐소생술 교육 프로그램의 효과

Objectives The purpose of this study is to develop simulation-based cardiopulmonary resuscitation education and apply it to non-health related college students to understand its effect.&#x0D; Methods This study was conducted on 54 non-health college students (27 in the experimental group and 27 in the control group). The control group received the general cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education, and the experimental group received the shortened version of the CPR education provided to the control group and the simulation-based CPR education developed in this study.&#x0D; Results Simulation-based CPR education was developed and applied in five stages: analysis, design, development, implement, and evaluation. The experimental group's cardiopulmonary resuscitation performance was 41.22±3.91 points, and the control group's cardiopulmonary resuscitation performance was 28.15±4.05 points, indicating a significant difference in cardiopulmonary resuscitation performance (Z=-6.32, p=&lt;.001). There were no significant differences in knowledge of CPR (Z=-0.04, p=.972), confidence in performing CPR (Z=1.00, p=.922), education satisfaction (Z=-0.28, p=.782), and immersion (Z=-0.08, p=.935).&#x0D; Conclusions Simulation-based CPR education programs was found to be effective in improving CPR performance. Therefore, the simulation-based CPR program can be used as an effective educational method for non-health college students, and it is necessary to consider ways that can be applied not only to college students but also to the general public.

Abstract 247: Assessing Feasibility of Proposed Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Programs in Scotland via Geospatial Modelling

Introduction: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) may improve outcomes for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) where return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is not achieved. We estimated the number of patients who may benefit from proposed in-hospital or pre-hospital ECPR programs in Scotland. Methods: EMS-treated atraumatic OHCAs occurring in Scotland between Apr. 2017-Mar. 2022 were included. We identified those likely to benefit (age 16-70, initial rhythm VF/pVT, no ROSC) and those possibly likely to benefit (age 16-70, initial rhythm PEA, no ROSC) from ECPR. To achieve timely ECPR initiation within 60 mins, we computed the number of eligible OHCAs within 15 mins’ drive time surrounding each of the 3 ECPR-capable hospitals, 6 percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-capable hospitals, and 28 adult emergency departments (ED) for in-hospital ECPR programs. We then computed the number of eligible OHCAs within a 45-minute drive time surrounding each of the 28 EDs and 140 ambulance stations and determined locations allowing one dedicated pre-hospital ECPR service to reach the greatest number of eligible OHCAs. We accounted for service availability based on 8 and 16-hour availability on weekdays and 24/7 availability. Results: Of the 8,962 OHCAs included, 1,108 (12.3%) were classified likely to benefit, 4,675 (52.2%) possibly likely to benefit, and 3,179 (35.5%) unlikely to benefit from ECPR. In-hospital ECPR scenarios covered up to 12.5% of eligible OHCAs at ECPR-capable hospitals, 20.9% at PCI-capable hospitals, and 64.6% at all EDs. Pre-hospital ECPR scenarios with one crew covered up to 51.0% and 54.1% when based at an ED or ambulance station respectively, which were higher than respective in-hospital scenarios at ECPR-capable or PCI-capable hospitals, and were generally comparable to ECPR availability at all 28 EDs. Conclusion: A pre-hospital ECPR service can generally reach greater numbers of OHCAs compared to in-hospital ECPR programs.

134: Developing and Sustaining an Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (ECPR) Program for Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest

134: Developing and Sustaining an Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (ECPR) Program for Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Knowledge and Attitudes around First Aid and Basic Life Support of Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers and Parents in Taif City, Saudi Arabia.

The foremost cause of children's (1-19 year) death is inadvertent injuries. While most of these accidental harms occur at home and school, rapid and suitable parental and teacher intervention is required to increase the chances of a child's survival. Therefore, both parents and teachers of the children in kindergarten and elementary school must be knowledgeable in first aid practice and basic life support (BLS) training. In the current study, our ambition is to evaluate the orientation level, knowledge, and attitudes around first aid and BLS training of kindergarten and elementary school teachers and parents in the city of Taif, Makkah region. A cross-sectional study in Taif, Saudi Arabia, targeted kindergarten and elementary school teachers and parents of students enrolled at these levels. There were 648 participants included in this study. The researchers assessed teachers' and parents' knowledge and attitudes around first aid and BLS using a validated, self-administered online questionnaire. The study included 648 participants, including 248 (38.3%) teachers and 400 (61.7%) parents. The socio-demographic analysis showed that 412 (63.6%) are females and 233 (36.5%) are between the ages of 36 and 45 years. Approximately 142 (21.9%) participants reported previous training in the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) program, though more than half of them (53.5%) had outdated certificates (more than 2 years). The mean total knowledge for our study was 4.6 ± 1.4, with 22.4% of the participants being educated about first aid support and expressing a fair level of CPR foundations. Only a small percentage (2.3%) of the participants exposed a good and adequate theoretical level of knowledge around CPR skills and performance, while most of the contributors unveiled a poor level of knowledge (over 75%). There were no statistically significant differences between parents and teachers (p > 0.05). Finally, numerous participants (85%) appreciated training in the CPR program, and the most common motive was a "wish to avoid unnecessary death". We concluded that a sizable portion of the contributors expressed a lack of proficiency in the fundamental CPR training knowledge and skills, pointing to an alarming public concern. Promisingly, a sizable percentage of participants expressed motivated attitudes toward CPR training. Therefore, additional study and data are required to effectively combat injury, with an emphasis on investigating causes and risk factors, burden and socioeconomic health determinants, community awareness level and desire to contribute, and accessibility for disseminating specific intervention strategies.

Community Interventions for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Resource-Limited Settings: A Scoping Review Across Low, Middle, and High-Income Countries

Background: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a major global health challenge, characterized by poor survival outcomes worldwide. Resource-limited settings are burdened with suboptimal emergency response and worse outcomes than high-resource areas. Engaging the community in the response to OHCA has the potential to improve outcomes, although an overview of community interventions in resource-limited settings has not been provided. Objective: This review evaluated the scope of community-based OHCA interventions in resource-limited settings. Methods: Literature searches in electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials) and grey literature sources were performed. screening, full-text review, and data extraction of eligible studies were conducted independently by two reviewers. The PCC (Population, Concept, and Context) framework was used to assess study eligibility. Studies that evaluated community-based interventions for laypeople (Population), targeting emergency response activation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), or automated external defibrillator (AED) use (Concept) in resource-limited settings (Context) were included. Resource-limited settings were identified by financial pressures (low-income or lower-middle-income country, according to World Bank data on year of publication) or geographical factors (setting described using keywords indicative of geographical remoteness in upper-middle-income or high-income country). Results: Among 14,810 records identified from literature searches, 60 studies from 28 unique countries were included in this review. Studies were conducted in high-income (n = 35), upper-middle-income (n = 2), lower-middle-income (n = 22), and low-income countries (n = 1). Community interventions included bystander CPR and/or AED training (n = 34), community responder programs (n = 8), drone-delivered AED networks (n = 6), dispatcher-assisted CPR programs (n = 4), regional resuscitation campaigns (n = 3), public access defibrillation programs (n = 3), and crowdsourcing technologies (n = 2). CPR and/or AED training were the only interventions evaluated in low-income, lower-middle-income, and upper-middle-income countries. Conclusions: Interventions aimed at improving the community response to OHCA in resource-limited settings differ globally. There is a lack of reported studies from low-income countries and certain continental regions, including South America, Africa, and Oceania. Evaluation of interventions other than CPR and/or AED training in low- and middle-income countries is needed to guide community emergency planning and health policies.

Abstract 283: Cardiac Functional Recovery At One Year In Refractory Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest Survivors

Introduction: The survival to discharge of patients presenting with refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in centers with a well-established extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) program has improved over the last decade. While quality of life is an important consideration for all survivors, long-term cardiac functional recovery as defined by the New York Heart Association (NYHA) of this population remains unknown. Methods: We performed a single center, retrospective analysis to evaluate the functional cardiac recovery of refractory OHCA survivors receiving ECPR with VA-ECMO between 2016 and 2020. Relevant demographic information as well as data on admission characteristics and index hospitalization were collected (Table). NYHA functional class was assessed at one month and at one year after hospital discharge. All patients had a transthoracic echocardiogram before discharge. Results: We identified 54 patients that were discharged following ECPR for OHCA during the study period. Forty-six (85%) were alive at one year. Complete functional outcome data were available for 37 survivors. Compared to the first assessment at 1 month, 15 patients (41%) had symptomatic improvement of at least one NYHA class at 1 year ( Figure ). No patients experienced clinical deterioration. Left ventricular ejection fraction assessed pre-discharge was the only significantly different parameter between those with improved and unchanged NYHA class at one year ( Table ). Conclusions: A large proportion of refractory OHCA survivors treated with ECPR have substantial improvement in their NYHA functional status at 1 year.

Effect of implementation of multi-tier response system and prolonged on-scene resuscitation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

The purpose of this study was to explain the process and results of implementing a bundle of two cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) programs in Gwang-ju metropolitan city and to determine whether the use of these programs improved the clinical outcomes for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. This was a before- and after-intervention study of the implementation of a bundle of two CPR programs in Gwang-ju. The main intervention was a multi-tier response (MTR) system, with an emphasis on prolonged on-scene resuscitation. The primary outcome was good neurological recovery, and secondary outcomes were survival to discharge and prehospital return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). A multivariable logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between the study period and outcomes, after adjusting for potential confounders. Interaction analysis was conducted to determine whether the location of arrest and witness status modified the effect of the study period on the study outcomes. The adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for the intervention were 1.35 (0.96-1.90) for pre-hospital ROSC, 1.19 (0.49-2.86) for survival to discharge, and 3.45 (1.01-11.80) for good CPC. The AORs for good neurological recovery of the after-intervention period were 2.93 (0.73-11.77) for a private place, 4.82 (1.04-22.39) for a public place, 5.88 (1.47-23.57) for a witnessed arrest, and 1.49 (0.28-7.86) for a non-witnessed arrest. OHCA patients treated in the after-intervention period with the bundle of CPR programs including MTR and prolonged on-scene resuscitation showed better clinical outcomes, especially pre-hospital ROSC, and neurological recovery at hospital discharge than those treated in the before-intervention period.

Predictors of Favorable Neurologic Outcomes in a Territory-First Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Program

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is an advanced resuscitation method that has been associated with better outcomes after cardiac arrest compared with conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This is a retrospective analysis of all patients who received ECPR for cardiac arrest in Hong Kong's first ECPR program from 2012 to 2020. The primary outcome was favorable neurologic outcome at 3 months. A new risk prediction model was developed and its performance was compared with published risk scores. One-hundred two patients received ECPR and 19 (18.6%) patients survived with favorable neurologic outcome. Having a shockable rhythm was the strongest predictor of favorable neurologic outcome in multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 9.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49 to 62.30; P = 0.017). We developed a simple model with three parameters for the prediction of favorable neurologic outcomes - presence of shockable rhythm, mean arterial pressure after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and the Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation IV score, with an area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.85 (95% CI, 0.77 to 0.94). In Hong Kong's first ECPR program, 18.6% patients survived with favorable neurologic outcomes, and having a shockable rhythm at presentation was the strongest predictor. Risk scores are useful in predicting important patient outcomes and should be included in clinical decision-making for patients who received ECPR.

Effectiveness of a Dispatcher-Assisted Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Program Developed by the Thailand National Institute of Emergency Medicine (NIEMS).

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a life-threatening condition with an overall survival rate that generally does not exceed 10%. Several factors play essential roles in increasing survival among patients experiencing cardiac arrest outside the hospital. Previous studies have reported that implementing a dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DA-CPR) program increases bystander CPR, quality of chest compressions, and patient survival. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a DA-CPR program developed by the Thailand National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEMS). This was an experimental study using a manikin model. The participants comprised both health care providers and non-health care providers aged 18 to 60 years. They were randomly assigned to either the DA-CPR group or the uninstructed CPR (U-CPR) group and performed chest compressions on a manikin model for two minutes. The sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelope method was used for randomization in blocks of four with a ratio of 1:1. There were 100 participants in this study (49 in the DA-CPR group and 51 in the U-CPR group). Time to initiate chest compressions was statistically significantly longer in the DA-CPR group than in the U-CPR group (85.82 [SD = 32.54] seconds versus 23.94 [SD = 16.70] seconds; P <.001). However, the CPR instruction did not translate into better performance or quality of chest compressions for the overall sample or for health care or non-health care providers. Those in the CPR-trained group applied chest compressions (initiated CPR) more quickly than those who initiated CPR based upon dispatch-based CPR instructions.

Short-Term Learning Effects of a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Program with Focus on the Relationship between Learning Effect and Trainees' Perceived Competence.

High-quality education and training are essential for effectively improving the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); however, the relationship between the acquisition of motor skills and learners’ psychological characteristic has not been investigated fully. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between intrinsic motivation for training, self-efficacy for CPR, and CPR skill acquisition through training. Twenty health sciences undergraduate students participated in a 3-hour basic life support course. Their chest compression skills were assessed before and after the course. The main outcome of this study was the chest compression score, with changes in the score from pretest to posttest regarded as the short-term learning effects from training. The chest compression score was significantly higher after the course (median 53.5%, interquartile range [IQR] 39.8–83.0) than before the course (median 14.0%, IQR 0–43.3, p < 0.001). Furthermore, we found a significant correlation between perceived competence after the training and changes in the chest compression score from pretest to posttest (r = 0.483, p = 0.031), but other psychological indices did not correlate with changes in the chest compression score. A significant correlation was noted between trainees’ perceived competency and the short-term learning effects of CPR training. We suggest instructors focus on psychological components of training, including trainees’ perceived competence.

The readiness of teachers in primary schools to deal with cardiac arrest situation

Progress in deciding the opinion of head-teachers on the instructional and logistical characteristics needed for a fundamental cardiopulmonary resuscitation (b-CPR) program for adolescents in secondary school. The purpose of the thesis is to explore the level of educators' preparation to cope with life-threatening circumstances. This paper aims to determine the connection between the score of the instructor to the questions drawn up and their knowledge of BSL. And we have studied the participants' student conduct without any impact on their behaviour. Teachers from chosen primary schools are the partners. There will also be a record of population characteristics. There will be registered personal data and documents. Some of the information involves the compilation of gender, gender, degree of education and weight data using survey questions. A high degree of secrecy would be ensured through this study. In addition, all information from the participants will be collected voluntarily. The educators would be allowed to have an answer to all the questions. The primary aim of the research is to raise awareness of the importance of critical support for life in schools. At the beginning of each academic year, this study is proposed to create a compulsory training session for teachers, and the outcome is gathered using survey questions to produce using personal information and data such as sex, gender, level of education and weight details.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training in secondary education: A prospective cross-sectional survey of 110 Hong Kong secondary schools

Background: Hong Kong rates of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation are very low by international standards. Several Hong Kong secondary schools have begun incorporating cardiopulmonary resuscitation training into their curriculums for teachers and students. Objective: This study aimed to explore secondary school cardiopulmonary resuscitation programs and better understand school principals’ attitudes toward cardiopulmonary resuscitation training. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was sent to all Hong Kong secondary school principals (public and private, except for special education schools) between December 2017 and March 2018. A self-administered questionnaire of 20 items focusing on school characteristics, details of any in-school cardiopulmonary resuscitation materials or training, attitudes toward teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and any barriers or ways to promote school cardiopulmonary resuscitation training was given to all school principals in the territory. This study was approved by the Survey and Behavioural Research Ethics committee of the Chinese University of Hong Kong on September 13, 2017. Results: Out of the 506 schools contacted, 110 completed surveys were returned (21.7%). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training was offered in 33.6% (37/110), while 92.7% (102/110) had an automatic external defibrillator. A majority (69.1% (76/110)) agreed or strongly agreed that cardiopulmonary resuscitation training should be compulsory for secondary school students. In schools where cardiopulmonary resuscitation was taught, most cardiopulmonary resuscitation students were aged 15–17 years, and most courses ran for &lt; 5 h. Increased funding could encourage more schools to offer cardiopulmonary resuscitation training to students in the future. Conclusion: One-third (33.6%) of Hong Kong secondary schools offer cardiopulmonary resuscitation training. Increased funding may support school-based cardiopulmonary resuscitation instruction and improve rates of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the future.

Comparison between dispatcher-assisted bystander CPR and self-led bystander CPR in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA)

IntroductionBystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an important prognostic factor for outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The dispatcher-assisted (DA) bystander CPR program has increased the rate of bystander CPR by targeting bystanders with a lower level of CPR training. We evaluated the effects of dispatcher-assisted bystander CPR and self-led bystander CPR. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed using a nationwide OHCA database from 2014 to 2018. Adult EMS-treated OHCA patients with presumed cardiac origin were enrolled. OHCAs were classified into 3 groups according to the type of bystander CPR (DA bystander CPR vs. self-led bystander CPR vs. no bystander CPR) provided. The primary outcome was good neurologic recovery at hospital discharge. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between the type of bystander CPR and outcomes. ResultsA total of 91,557 eligible OHCA patients was enrolled in the final analysis. The proportion of patients with favorable neurologic outcomes was highest with self-led bystander CPR (9.0% for self-led bystander CPR, 5.2% for DA bystander CPR and 3.2% for no bystander CPR, p < 0.01). Self-led bystander CPR was associated with better neurological recovery than DA bystander CPR (aOR with 95% CI (DA-CPR as reference): 0.63 (0.58−0.69) for no bystander CPR, 1.28 (1.17–1.40) for self-led bystander CPR). ConclusionAlthough DA CPR was associated with better neurologic outcomes than no bystander CPR, good neurologic outcomes were most strongly associated with self-led bystander CPR.

Abstract 231: Single Bystander CPR Performance During Drone AED Delivery for Simulated Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Background: Drones have great potential to speed the delivery of AEDs in the critical first few minutes of OHCA. However, it is unclear whether bystanders can balance high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with AED deployment. The 2015 AHA CPR guidelines recommend a chest compression (cc) rate of 100-120/minute, cc depth of 50-60mm, and cc fraction of &gt;60%. Method: We performed mock cardiac arrest simulations using bystander volunteers, including simulated 911 call, telephone-assisted dispatcher CPR instructions, bystander CPR, drone-delivered AED, and AED application. CPR performance was recorded by a Laerdal Resusci Anne Quality Feedback System and compared between two groups of participants: recent CPR training (&lt;2 years) versus remote (&gt;2 years) or no CPR training. Prior data had shown CPR skill degradation after 2 years. Chi-squared tests compared demographics; T-tests compared age and CPR performance data. Results: Between 9/2019-3/2020, 5 simulations were conducted with 51 participants. The mean age was 39.7 years, 56.9% were female, and 78.4% had a college or graduate degree. Racial/ethnic makeup consisted of 64.7% White, 15.7% African-American, 15.7% Asian, and 11.8% Hispanic. 41.2% had recent CPR training (n=21); 58.8% had remote CPR training (n=19) or no CPR training (n=11). There were no differences in demographics by CPR training groups. Participants with recent CPR training had shorter time from CPR initiation to AED shock delivery (3:45 vs. 4:14 [min:sec], p=0.01) and a trend toward higher percent of time with cc depth (77.4% vs 50.4%, p=0.11) and higher cc fraction (46.8% vs 42.9 %, p=0.12). There were no differences for percent of time with cc rate or CPR recoil. Conclusion: Overall, CPR quality was low regardless of prior CPR training status. Those recently trained had shorter resuscitation time and appeared to have better CPR performance. Realization of a drone AED networks may require novel CPR programs focused on high-quality CPR.

Effectiveness of the 40-Minute Handmade Manikin Program to Teach Hands-on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation at School Communities

Bystander training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is crucial to improve the victims' survival and quality of life after sudden cardiac arrest. This observational study aimed to determine the success rate of 2 different programs of CPR training for children, adolescents, and adults in school communities. We assessed the development and acquisition of the following CPR skills: checking local safety, assessing victim's responsiveness, calling for help, assessing victim's breathing, and performing chest compression (hands and straight arms placement on the chest, compression velocity, depth, and chest release) using a 40-minute program with handmade manikins or the 120-minute program using intermediate-fidelity manikins. There were 1,630 learners (mean age 16 years, 38% male) in the 40-minute program, and 347 learners (mean age 27 years, 32% male) in the 120-minute program. The lowest successful pass rate of learners that developed CPR skills was 89.4% in the 40-minute program and 84.5% in the 120-minute program. The chances of success increased with age in the same program (compression rate and depth). The success rate also increased with the more extended and intermediate-cost program at the same age (assessing victim's responsiveness, calling for help, and assessing the victim's respiration). In conclusion, a 40-minute and cheaper (low-cost handmade manikin) CPR program was adequate to develop and acquire the overall CPR skills for ≥89% at school communities, independently of gender. However, some individual CPR skills can be further improved with increasing age and using the longer and intermediate-cost program.

Establishment of an extracorporeal cardio-pulmonary resuscitation program in Berlin \u2013 outcomes of 254 patients with refractory circulatory arrest

ObjectiveOptimal management of out of hospital circulatory arrest (OHCA) remains challenging, in particular in patients who do not develop rapid return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) can be a life-saving bridging procedure. However its requirements and feasibility of implementation in patients with OHCA, appropriate inclusion criteria and achievable outcomes remain poorly defined.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingTertiary referral university hospital center.PatientsHere we report on characteristics, course and outcomes on the first consecutive 254 patients admitted between August 2014 and December 2017.InterventioneCPR program for OHCA.Mesurements and main resultsA structured clinical pathway was designed and implemented as 24/7 eCPR service at the Charité in Berlin. In total, 254 patients were transferred with ongoing CPR, including automated chest compression, of which 30 showed or developed ROSC after admission. Following hospital admission predefined in- and exclusion criteria for eCPR were checked; in the remaining 224, 126 were considered as eligible for eCPR.State of the art postresuscitation therapy was applied and prognostication of neurological outcome was performed according to a standardized protocol.Eighteen patients survived, with a good neurological outcome (cerebral performance category (CPC) 1 or 2) in 15 patients. Compared to non-survivors survivors had significantly shorter time between collaps and start of eCPR (58 min (IQR 12–85) vs. 90 min (IQR 74–114), p = 0.01), lower lactate levels on admission (95 mg/dL (IQR 44–130) vs. 143 mg/dL (IQR 111–178), p < 0.05), and less severe acidosis on admission (pH 7.2 (IQR 7.15–7.4) vs. 7.0 (IQR6.9–7.2), p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis identified latency to eCPR and low pH as independent predictors for mortality.ConclusionAn eCPR program can be life-saving for a subset of individuals with refractory circulatory arrest, with time to initiation of eCPR being a main determinant of survival.

Examining Nurses’ Theoretical Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation in Hospitals and Primary Health Care Settings in South Sharqiyah, Sultanate of Oman

Objectives: This study attempts to identify the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of CPR among nurses in South Sharqyiah governorate, Oman. Moreover, it evaluates the association between the knowledge score and the selected variables. This will help to review the effectiveness of current CPR training, thus set up recommendations for better CPR programs. Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between April and July 2019 in governmental hospitals and Primary Health care (PHC) institutions in Southern Sharqyiah Oman. A questionnaire-based survey was used to collect data from 282 registered staff nurses, including the Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) knowledge in both Basic Life support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life support (ACLS), and nurses' attitude and practice towards CPR. Results: An excellent response rate of a total of 267 nurses (94.6%) took part in the study. Overall, nurses demonstrated inadequate level of knowledge in BLS their mean±SD of the total knowledge scores was 9.05±3.228. Like BLS knowledge, the participants demonstrated inadequate level of knowledge in ACLS as the total mean ±SD was 3.47±.1. 784. The study noted a significant association between the total scores of BLS knowledge and nationality (p=0.028). Conclusions: The result of this study has confirmed that knowledge of the nurses in BLS and ACLS was found to be low. The study revealed high numbers of staff nurses need to renew BLS and ACLS certificates. Thus, there is a crucial need for innovative educational interventions related to CPR. There is also a need to evaluate the knowledge and performance of CPR in clinical area such as mock drill.

Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (ECPR) for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest due to Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia/Fibrillation.

Background Survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are very low and neurologic recovery is poor. Innovative strategies have been developed to improve outcomes. A collaborative extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) program for out-of-hospital refractory pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) and/or ventricular fibrillation (VF) has been developed between The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Columbus Division of Fire. Methods From August 15, 2017, to June 1, 2019, there were 86 patients that were evaluated in the field for cardiac arrest in which 42 (49%) had refractory pulseless VT and/or VF resulting from different underlying pathologies and were placed on an automated cardiopulmonary resuscitation device; from these 42 patients, 16 (38%) met final inclusion criteria for ECPR and were placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL). Results From the 16 patients who underwent ECPR, 4 (25%) survived to hospital discharge with cerebral perfusion category 1 or 2. Survivors tended to be younger (48.0 ± 16.7 vs. 59.3 ± 12.7 years); however, this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.28) likely due to a small number of patients. Overall, 38% of patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). No significant difference was found between survivors and nonsurvivors in emergency medical services dispatch to CCL arrival time, lactate in CCL, coronary artery disease severity, undergoing PCI, and pre-ECMO PaO2, pH, and hemoglobin. Recovery was seen in different underlying pathologies. Conclusion ECPR for out-of-hospital refractory VT/VF cardiac arrest demonstrated encouraging outcomes. Younger patients may have a greater chance of survival, perhaps the need to be more aggressive in this subgroup of patients.