European Resuscitation Council Research Articles

Effect of Face-to-Face vs Virtual Reality Training on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Quality

Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is crucial for survival after cardiac arrest but not performed in most cases. New, low-cost, and easily accessible training methods, such as virtual reality (VR), may reach broader target populations, but data on achieved CPR skills are lacking. To compare CPR quality between VR and face-to-face CPR training. Randomized noninferiority trial with a prospective randomized open blinded end point design. Participants were adult attendees from the science section of the Lowlands Music Festival (August 16 to 18, 2019) in the Netherlands. Analysis began September 2019. Two standardized 20-minute protocols on CPR and automated external defibrillator use: instructor-led face-to-face training or VR training using a smartphone app endorsed by the Resuscitation Council (United Kingdom). During a standardized CPR scenario following the training, we assessed the primary outcome CPR quality, measured as chest compression depth and rate using CPR manikins. Overall CPR performance was assessed by examiners, blinded for study groups, using a European Resuscitation Council-endorsed checklist (maximum score, 13). Additional secondary outcomes were chest compression fraction, proportions of participants with mean depth (50 mm-60 mm) or rate (100 min-1-120 min-1) within guideline ranges, and proportions compressions with full release. A total of 381 participants were randomized: 216 women (57%); median (interquartile range [IQR]) age, 26 (22-31) years. The VR app (n = 190 [49.9%]) was inferior to face-to-face training (n = 191 [50.1%]) for chest compression depth (mean [SD], VR: 49 [10] mm vs face to face: 57 [5] mm; mean [95% CI] difference, -8 [-9 to -6] mm), and noninferior for chest compression rate (mean [SD]: VR: 114 [12] min-1 vs face to face: 109 [12] min-1; mean [95% CI] difference, 6 [3 to 8] min-1). The VR group had lower overall CPR performance scores (median [IQR], 10 [8-12] vs 12 [12-13]; P < .001). Chest compression fraction (median [IQR], 61% [52%-66%] vs 67% [62%-71%]; P < .001) and proportions of participants fulfilling depth (51% [n = 89] vs 75% [n = 133], P < .001) and rate (50% [n = 87] vs 63% [n = 111], P = .01) requirements were also lower in the VR group. The proportion of compressions with full release was higher in the VR group (median [IQR], 98% [59%-100%] vs 88% [55%-99%]; P = .002). In this randomized noninferiority trial, VR training resulted in comparable chest compression rate but inferior compression depth compared with face-to-face training. Given the potential of VR training to reach a larger target population, further development is needed to achieve the compression depth and overall CPR skills acquired by face-to-face training. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04013633.

Knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation among Greek physiotherapists.

High quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is crucial for influencing survival from cardiac arrest. Healthcare professionals are expected to know how to perform CPR as they may encounter emergency situations during their work. Physiotherapists, who use exercise as a therapeutic approach, should have good knowledge and skills in CPR not only to cope with possible adverse cardiac events during exercise but also because a widespread CPR application and early defibrillation can greatly reduce mortality due to heart attack. The aim of this study is to investigate knowledge of Greek physiotherapists in European Resuscitation Council guidelines for resuscitation. A secondary aim of this study was to assess and compare the knowledge score between those with and without previous training and/or lower self-confidence in CPR skills. Three hundred and fifty Greek physiotherapists who were working in hospitals and rehabilitation centres (face-to-face and e-mail contact) were randomly selected to complete an anonymous questionnaire containing demographic questions, CPR experience questions, and ten theoretical knowledge questions, based on European Resuscitation Council guidelines for resuscitation. The response ratio was 63% (n=220 physiotherapists). Respondents' total mean score for the theoretic knowledge questions was 4.1±2 (range 1-10); 21.4% of the respondents had participated in a CPR course, while only 0.9% had previous experience in CPR performance. The group of respondents who had attended a CPR course had a significantly higher score in CPR knowledge questions and higher confidence score (p<0.01). Moreover, the physiotherapists who attended refresher courses in CPR in the workplace scored significantly higher (p<0.01). Our results indicate that Greek physiotherapists have knowledge gaps in the European Resuscitation Council guidelines for resuscitation. The percentage of Greek physiotherapists who had CPR certification and recertification was low, thus the CPR training should be mandatory for all working physiotherapists.

The role of the ultrasound in cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is one of the most emergent medical procedures. Maintaining our resuscitative efforts at the highest level possible is not only our professional, but also ethical duty. International scientific societies, like the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) publish regularly their guidelines, based on robust scientific evidence, or (where it is not available) widely accepted expert panels' opinion. Current clinical experience shows that a growing proportion of cardiac arrests is non-arrhytmogenic in origin. In these cases scientific guidelines, but also bare clinical judgement suggests searching for reversible causes and correcting them parallel with standard resuscitation efforts. Without this, a good outcome is rarely achievable. Intra-arrest protocolised ultrasound exam can be a powerful tool in detecting reversible causes, and also an aid in the correction of some. By reviewing the current literature and scientific guidelines, I aim to tailor the role and usefulness of intra-arrest ultrasound exam as an integrated part of the resuscitation efforts. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(46): 1821-1825.

Rationale and design of the Lowlands Saves Lives trial: a randomised trial to compare CPR quality and long-term attitude towards CPR performance between face-to-face and virtual reality training with the Lifesaver VR app

IntroductionLayperson cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a key aspect in the chain of survival after cardiac arrest. New, low-cost, easily accessible training methods such as virtual reality (VR) training with a...

Cardiac Arrest and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Outcome Reports: Update of the Utstein Resuscitation Registry Template for In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Consensus Report From a Task Force of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (American Heart Association, European Resuscitation Council, Australian and New Zealand Council on Resuscitation, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, InterAmerican Heart Foundation, Resuscitation Council of Southern Africa, Resuscitation

Utstein-style reporting templates provide a structured framework with which to compare systems of care for cardiac arrest. The 2004 Utstein reporting template encompassed both out-of-hospital and in-hospital cardiac arrest. A 2015 update of the Utstein template focused on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, which makes this update of the in-hospital template timely. Representatives of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation developed an updated in-hospital Utstein reporting template iteratively by meeting face-to-face, by teleconference, and by online surveys between 2013 and 2018. Data elements were grouped by hospital factors, patient variables, pre-event factors, cardiac arrest and postresuscitation processes, and outcomes. Elements were classified as core or supplemental by use of a modified Delphi process. Variables were described as core if they were considered essential. Core variables should enable reasonable comparisons between systems and are considered essential for quality improvement programs. Together with core variables, supplementary variables are considered useful for research.

Medical Students Can be Trained to be Life-Saving First Aid Instructors for Laypeople: A Feasibility Study from Gaza, Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Bystanders can improve the outcome in emergencies by activating the "chain of survival." Gaza's (Palestine) population has little, if any, access to training in Basic Life Support (BLS) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The goal was to recruit local medical students to be life-saving first aid instructors, and have them train 3,000 laypeople in BLS and CPR. One hundred and seventeen medical students from Al Azhar University-Gaza (Gaza City, Palestine) were trained as BLS and CPR instructors. Twelve training hours were delivered in practical BLS and CPR skills, plus four in communication and didactical skills, to enable training of laypeople. Students answered a questionnaire exploring demographics, prior training experience, expectations, and motivation to join the training. Teaching material were developed after the European Resuscitation Council (ERC; Niel, Belgium) guidelines and similar training at The Arctic University of Norway (Tromsø, Norway). A total of 117 medical students (52.1% female; 47.9% male), from third through sixth year, completed training, and all were in their early twenties. Ninety-five (81.2%) agreed to answer the questionnaire. Of those, five students lost family members during Israeli military operations. Eighty-two (70.1%) never had hands-on first aid training. Seventy-six (80.0%) hoped the training would improve their community's response to emergencies. With 58 training sessions completed, 1,312 laypeople (596 males; 716 females) were trained: 5.52 lay trainees per student instructor. The majority (n = 1,012; 77.1%) were school students aged 13-20 years. It is feasible to recruit local medical students for practical BLS and CPR trainings targeting laypeople in communities under stress. The training impact on local resilience and patients' outcomes need further studies.

Cardiac Arrest and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Outcome Reports: Update of the Utstein Resuscitation Registry Template for In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Consensus Report From a Task Force of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (American Heart Association, European Resuscitation Council, Australian and New Zealand Council on Resuscitation, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, InterAmerican Heart Foundation, Resuscitation Council of Southern Africa, Resuscitation

Utstein-style reporting templates provide a structured framework with which to compare systems of care for cardiac arrest. The 2004 Utstein reporting template encompassed both out-of-hospital and in-hospital cardiac arrest. A 2015 update of the Utstein template focused on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, which makes this update of the in-hospital template timely. Representatives of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation developed an updated in-hospital Utstein reporting template iteratively by meeting face-to-face, by teleconference, and by online surveys between 2013 and 2018. Data elements were grouped by hospital factors, patient variables, pre-event factors, cardiac arrest and postresuscitation processes, and outcomes. Elements were classified as core or supplemental by use of a modified Delphi process. Variables were described as core if they were considered essential. Core variables should enable reasonable comparisons between systems and are considered essential for quality improvement programs. Together with core variables, supplementary variables are considered useful for research.

Usefulness of a stool to stabilize dental chairs for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

BackgroundCardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) requires immediate start of manual chest compression (MCC) and defibrillation as soon as possible. During dental surgery, CPR could be started in the dental chair considering difficulty to move the patient from the dental chair to the floor. However, all types of dental chairs are not stable for MCC. We previously developed a procedure to stabilize a dental chair by using a stool. EUROPEAN RESUSCITATION COUNCIL (ERC) guideline 2015 adopted our procedure when cardiac arrest during dental surgery. The objective of this study was to verify the efficacy of a stool as a stabilizer in different types of dental chairs.MethodsThree health care providers participated in this study, and 8 kinds of dental chairs were examined. MCC were performed on a manikin that was laid on the backrest of a dental chair. A stool was placed under the backrest to stabilize the dental chair. The vertical displacement of the backrest by MCC was recorded by a camcorder and measured by millimeter. Next, the vertical displacement of the backrest by MCC were compared between with and without a stool.ResultsIn all 8 dental chairs, the method by using a stool significantly reduced the vertical displacements of the backrest by during MCC. The reduction ratio (mean [interquartile range]) varied between nearly 27 [20] and 87 [5] %. In the largest stabilization case, the displacement was 3.5 [0.5] mm with a stool versus 26 [5.5] mm without a stool (p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur procedure to stabilize dental chairs by using a stool reduced the displacement of a backrest against MCC in all chairs.Clinical relevanceEffective MCC could be performed in dental chairs by using a stool when sudden cardiac arrest occurs during dental surgery.

Targeted temperature management: State of the Art

One of the indicated elements of post-resuscitation care is therapeutic hypothermia or temperature treatment management. the survivability of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) till admission to hospital is only 23%. Efficient thermoregulatory mechanisms are the basis for maintaining optimal body temperature. Therapeutic hypothermia shows normalizing effect on metabolic processes disturbed in ischaemic conditions, including improving metabolism and maintaining glucose balance in the brain, lowering the concentration of lactates, limiting the secretion of free radicals in damaged neurons, lowering the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, stabilizes the blood-brain barrier and reduces endothelial dysfunction preventing ischaemic damage to tissues and organs. Hypothermia has a wide multidirectional effect on the human body, which can be useful in patients. Most available scientific studies show the efficacy and benefits of hypothermia in patients with out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest, including especially with ventricular fibrillation. The delay in the initiation of therapeutic hypothermia and reaching target temperature significantly increased the odds of a poor neurological outcome. Current American Heart Association (AHA) and European Resuscitation Council (ERC) resuscitation guidelines recommend that targeted temperature management should be implemented in all adult coma patients with return of spontaneous circulation (ROCS) after sudden cardiac arrest. The target temperature should be between 32°C and 36°C and then maintained for at least 24 hours. In patients with coma after TTM, fever should be actively prevented. For patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, it is not recommended to routinely cool patients in prehospital conditions with a rapid intravenous infusion of cold fluids after ROSC.

Association between rewarming duration and neurological outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients receiving therapeutic hypothermia

AimThe European Resuscitation Council guidelines recommend a slow rate of rewarming of 0.25 °C/h–0.5 °C/h for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients receiving therapeutic hypothermia (TH). Conversely, a very slow rewarming of 1 °C/day is generally applied in Japan. The rewarming duration ranged from less than 24 h up to more than 50 h. No randomized control trials have examined the optimal rewarming speed for TH in OHCA patients. Therefore, we examined the association between the rewarming duration and neurological outcomes in OHCA patients who received TH. MethodsThis study was a secondary analysis of the Japanese Population-based Utstein-style study with defibrillation and basic/advanced Life Support Education and implementation-Hypothermia (J-PULSE-HYPO) study registry, a multicenter prospective cohort study. Patients suffering from OHCA who received TH (target temperature, 34 °C) after the return of spontaneous circulation from 2005 to 2011 in 14 hospitals throughout Japan were enrolled. The rewarming duration was defined as the time from the beginning of rewarming at a target temperature of 34 °C until reaching 36 °C. The primary outcome was an unfavorable neurological outcome at hospital discharge, i.e., a cerebral performance category of 3–5. ResultsThe J-PULSE-HYPO study enrolled 452 OHCA patients. Of these, 328 were analyzed; 79.9% survived to hospital discharge, of which 56.4% had a favorable neurological outcome. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the rewarming duration was independently associated with unfavorable neurological outcomes [odds ratio (per 5 h), 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.79–0.99; p = 0.032]. ConclusionA longer rewarming duration was significantly associated with and was an independent predictor of favorable neurological outcomes in OHCA patients who received TH.

Early point-of-care focused echocardiographic asystole as a predictive factor for absence of return of spontaneous circulatory in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests: a study protocol for a prospective, multicentre observational study

IntroductionManagement of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) in France is performed by a particular prehospital system based on medicalisation of mobile intensive care units composed of an emergency physician and a...

Defibrillator charging before rhythm analysis causes peri-shock pauses exceeding guideline recommended maximum 5s : Arandomized simulation trial.

Charging defibrillators prior to analyzing heart rhythms may decrease the no-flow time during rhythm check pauses while resuscitating in cardiac arrest. Although this anticipatory method is already used in some centers little is known about its safety. This study was carried out to confirm the safety and feasibility of the anticipatory method. It was hypothesized that this anticipatory method results in shorter total no-flow times, while other parameters of defibrillation efficacy including defibrillator safety and minimization of peri-shock pauses are unchanged. This manikin study assigned 243 medical students randomly to study groups, 121 to the anticipatory method and 122 to the recommended European Resuscitation Council (ERC) algorithm. Of these 237 students ultimately underwent training (112 anticipatory method vs. 125 ERC algorithm). Participants were assessed and video recorded during asimulated cardiac arrest scenario which included three different heart rhythms (ventricular fibrillation [VF], pulseless ventricular tachycardia [pVT], asystole) in randomized order. Video and software analyses were performed. Defibrillation safety was assessed using a17-item checklist defined beforehand. A total of 203 simulated cardiac arrests (75anticipatory method and 128 ERC 2010 algorithm) were analyzed. The anticipatory method did not significantly reduce no-flow time (25.8 s, standard deviation, SD7.4 s vs. 27.4 s SD8.4 s, p = 0.19); however, peri-shock pauses were significantly longer in the anticipatory group compared to the ERC 2010 group (9.5 s SD2.8 s vs. 3.3 s SD1.9 s, p < 0.001). No significant difference concerning defibrillation safety between the groups was observed according to the 17-item checklist (14.6 SD1.6 vs. 15.0 SD1.4, p = 0.07). Charging defibrillators before rhythm analysis did not decrease total no-flow time in simulated cardiac arrests but resulted in significantly longer peri-shock pauses exceeding 5 s. No significant differences in defibrillation safety were observed between the groups.

Validation of an Assessment Instrument for Pediatric Basic Life Support.

To develop a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of pediatric basic life support (PBLS). An assessment instrument for PBLS was developed, based on 3 existing scoring systems and the European Resuscitation Council PBLS guideline. We tested if experienced PBLS instructors performed better than medical students on a standard PBLS examination on a low-fidelity pediatric manikin (construct validity). To pass the examination, 15 penalty points or less were required. The examinations were videotaped. One researcher assessed all videos once, and approximately half of them twice (intrarater reliability). A second researcher independently assessed part of the videos (interrater reliability). The time needed to assess 1 examination was determined. Face and content validity were established, because PBLS experts reached consensus on the instrument and because the instrument incorporated all items of the European Resuscitation Council algorithm. Of the 157 medical students that were scored, 98 (62.4%) passed the examination. Fourteen PBLS instructors were scored; all passed (100%). Pass rate (62.4% vs 100%) and median penalty points (15 [interquartile range, 10-22.5] vs 7.5 [interquartile range, 1.25-10]) were significantly different between students and instructors (P = 0.005 and <0.001, respectively). Reassessment demonstrated a κ for intrarater reliability of 0.62 (95% confidence interval, 0.45-0.81) (substantial agreement); κ for interrater reliability was 0.51 (95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.93) (moderate agreement). It took approximately 3 minutes to assess 1 videotaped examination. Our instrument for the (video-based) assessment of PBLS is valid and sufficiently reliable. It is also designed to be practical, time-efficient, and applicable in various settings, including resource limited.

Challenges of implementing and utilizing effective BLS and PBLS according to European resuscitation council guidelines in the country of Georgia

Challenges of implementing and utilizing effective BLS and PBLS according to European resuscitation council guidelines in the country of Georgia

Keeping Bystanders Active: Resuscitating Resuscitation Skills.

Introduction: Sufficient CPR skills in the general population are essential to make them active bystanders and contribute to an effective chain of survival in cardiac arrest emergencies. However, having a large proportion of the population regularly retrained is practically infeasible.Objective: The aim of this study was to assess and retrain cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills of individuals who received (limited) CPR training several months to years prior.Method: Ninety-nine German adults in a possession of a driver's license were asked to perform CPR on a Laerdal Resusci Anne® QCPR manikin (Laerdal, Stavanger, Norway). After initial assessment, participants watched an instructional video and completed short, isolated compression, and ventilation practice with live feedback. CPR competency was assessed again after retraining and after a retention interval of 45 min.Results: Our results indicate that only 2% of participants managed to reach the performance criteria set by the European Resuscitation Council Guidelines, with most failing to reach even the lowest levels of performance. This corroborates earlier observations that CPR skills have deteriorated almost completely after a long retention interval, calling into question “one-and-done” certification of this basic life-saving. However, we also demonstrated that performance strikingly increased after watching a 6-min instructional video and a short opportunity for isolated practice. This increase in performance was stable over 45 min with 96% of participants meeting performance levels specified in the Guidelines. Closer inspection of the isolated compression practice data suggests that performance was very high at the start of the practice already, indicating that short refresher videos might suffice to change bystanders that would not have initiated CPR due to lack of knowledge into active first responders.Conclusion: We suggest that short refresher trainings could be an effective and affordable means of improving basic lifesaving skills to increase the effective contribution of bystanders during emergencies.

Procainamide Versus Amiodarone for Stable Ventricular Tachycardia.

Procainamide Versus Amiodarone for Stable Ventricular Tachycardia.

Basic life support training: Demonstration versus lecture – A randomised controlled trial

IntroductionBasic life support (BLS) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) improve survival from cardiac arrest. The gold standard for teaching BLS/AED is yet to be identified. The aim of this study was to compare the learning outcome of an instructor-led demonstration with a formal lecture for introducing BLS/AED skills. We hypothesized that a demonstration was superior to a lecture. MethodsFirst year-medical students were randomised to either a demonstration or a lecture using PowerPoint® Presentation for skill introduction during European Resuscitation Council BLS/AED courses. Participants were skill-tested after training and required to perform all skills correctly to pass the test. Finally, all participants were asked to state their preferred teaching method. ResultsOverall, 247 participants were included in the analysis (demonstration group: 124, lecture group: 123). Pass rate was 63% in both groups, p = 1.00.Both groups performed median compression rates within guidelines recommendations, p = 0.09. Mean compression depth was 55 mm (10 mm) in the demonstration group compared with 52 mm (10 mm) in the lecture group, p = 0.05. Median tidal volume was 265 (192, 447) ml and 405 (262, 578) ml, p < 0.001, respectively. The lecture group was 3 s faster at initiating BLS, p < 0.001. In total, 226 (91%) participants preferred demonstration on a manikin for introducing BLS/AED. ConclusionThere was no statistically significant difference in pass rate when comparing a demonstration with a lecture for introducing BLS/AED. The lecture group was slightly faster at initiating BLS. Most participants preferred a demonstration as introduction.

Meta-analysis of the accuracy of termination of resuscitation rules for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

BackgroundOur objective was to perform a systematic review of studies reporting the accuracy of termination of resuscitation rules (TORRs) for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).MethodsWe performed a comprehensive search of the...

Knowledge of and attitudes to emergency tachyarrhythmia treatment among paramedics and nurses

INTRODUCTION: Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a wide term used to describe tachycardia with atri- al and/or ventricular rates exceeding 100 bpm at rest. The underlying mechanism involves His bundle or tissue lying above. As the diagnosis of SVT is often made in the prehospital settings or in an emergency department, the relevant knowledge of all medical personnel, including paramedics, on the diagnosis and treatment procedures is crucial for the patient’s outcome. It is essential to quickly assess the patient’s clinical condition and make decisions based on both electrocardiographic records and the occurrence of adverse symptoms. Some procedures and pharmacological treatments can be implemented by the paramedic on their own, some require a physician’s supervision. The aim of the study was to assess paramedics’ and nurs- es’ knowledge concerning emergency management in tachycardia. METHODS: The study was conducted in January 2019 in south-western Poland among paramedics and nurses working in the Polish National Emergency Medical System (EMS). All participants received information on the study objectives and voluntarily took part in the questionnaire survey. The questionnaire was developed by the authors and included 22 questions referring to gender, age, work experience, type of work in EMS, number of inhabitants in the workplace area, latest training in advanced life support, adverse events in hemodynamically unstable patients, vagal manoeuvres, European Resuscitation Council 2015 guidelines for narrow and broad complex tachycardia in stable and unstable patients with regular and irregular rhythms, indications for synchronized electrical cardioversion, performing synchronized electrical cardioversion in the past, concerns about cardioversion and self-assessed level of experience in tachyarrhythmia treatment. RESULTS: Overall, 200 paramedics and 50 nurses were asked to participate in the study. The final question- naire return rate was 84.5%. The mean age of the participants equalled as 37.90 ± 11.44 years; 50 (29.59%) were female; the mean work experience was 12.07 ± 10.39 years. The correct treatment in a stable patient with narrow QRS tachyarrhythmia (including vassal manoeuvres and adenosine administration) was pro- posed by 88.17% of the participants. The correct treatment in an unstable patient with broad QRS tachyar- rhythmia was proposed by 84.60% of the participants. Overall, 56.80% indicated correct treatment with a beta-blocker in a stable patient with irregular narrow complex tachyarrhythmia with a duration of over 48 hours; 87.57% knew the role of magnesium sulphate in torsade de pointes treatment. Only 34.91% had conducted electrical cardioversion in the past. According to the subjects, the main problems associated with the procedure of electrical cardioversion were: analgosedation and airway management (52.66%), the risk for sudden cardiac arrest as a result of electrical cardioversion (53.25%), and the risk of a stroke (38.46%). The proper number of electrical cardioversions in unstable patients was proposed by 73.37% of the partic- ipants; 66.86% knew the correct dose of amiodarone when the correct electrical cardioversion sequence does not restore the sinus rhythm and the patient remains unstable. Only 43.79% knew the correct initial biphasic energy for electrical cardioversion in unstable broad complex tachyarrhythmia (120–150 J), while most responders indicated energy up to 120 J. The mean self-assessed level of experience in tachyarrhythmia treatment was 6.00 ± 1.76 in a scale of 0–10, where 0 meant lack of experience and 10 stood for experience ensuring proper performance of the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of Polish paramedics and nurses concerning the emergency treatment of tach- yarrhythmia is unsatisfactory in many aspects. Better undergraduate and postgraduate training on advanced life support guidelines should be recommended.

Accuracy of instructional diagrams for automated external defibrillator pad positioning

IntroductionCorrect defibrillation pad positioning optimises the chances of successful defibrillation. AEDs have pictoral representation to guide untrained bystanders in correct pad positioning. There is a wide variation in this pictoral guidance and evidence suggests that correct anatomical pad placement is poor. We reviewed all currently available diagrams and assessed the resultant pad placement achieved by untrained bystanders following these instructions. MethodsTwenty untrained bystanders were presented with a total of 27 different pad placement diagrams (including one designed by the researchers) in a random sequence and were asked to apply them to the chest of an adult manikin. The lateral/medial and cranial/caudal position in relation to the optimal position recommended by the European Resuscitation Council guidelines was then measured for each pair of pads. ResultsOverall, the sternal pad was placed an average of 6.0 mm cranial to, and 3.2 mm medial to, the optimal position. The apical pad was placed an average of 78.2 mm caudal to, and 59.3 mm medial to, the optimal position. The pad position diagram we designed and assessed out performed existing diagrams. ConclusionAll current defibrillation pad diagrams fail to achieve accurate defibrillation pad placement. A clearer, more effective diagram, such as the one we designed, is urgently needed to ensure bystander defibrillation is effective as possible.