Manikin Study Research Articles

Flexible endoscopy versus direct laryngoscopy for localising impacted pharyngeal foreign bodies in emergency department: A randomised cross-over manikin pilot study

Background: Direct laryngoscopy is often poorly tolerated in patients with foreign body ingestion. The use of flexible endoscopes, which are reported to be better tolerated, was described. However, studies on endoscopy usage by emergency physicians are lacking. Objective: This study evaluates whether using a bronchoscope is as effective as the direct laryngoscopy for localising pharyngeal foreign bodies by emergency physicians. Methods: This was a randomised cross-over manikin study conducted on 32 emergency physicians. Four foreign bodies were placed at the oropharynx, vallecula, arytenoid and post-cricoid area of a manikin. Participants, being randomised into two groups, examined the pharynx with a bronchoscope and a direct laryngoscope in designated orders. The primary outcome was the complete visualisation rate defined as visualising all the four foreign bodies within the time limit. Secondary outcomes included participants-rated difficulty scores, device preferences, the time needed for complete visualisation and cumulative success rates. Results: Complete visualisation rate was significantly higher using the bronchoscope (93.8%) than the direct laryngoscope (62.5%) p = 0.02. The overall difficulty score was lower using the bronchoscope (median 4, interquartile range: 3–5) than the direct laryngoscope (median 6, interquartile range: 5–8), p < 0.001. The bronchoscope was the preferred method for overall examination (71.9%) over the direct laryngoscope (28.1%), p = 0.001. There were no significant differences in times needed for complete examination for the bronchoscope (median 73.6 s, interquartile range: 54.7–97.7 s) and the direct laryngoscope (median 82.2 s, interquartile range: 40.1–120 s), p = 0.9, and cumulative success rates, p = 0.081. Conclusion: The bronchoscope was associated with an increased complete visualisation rate and was the easier and preferred method for pharyngeal examination.

Comparison of Video Laryngoscopy and Direct Laryngoscopy in the Success of Intubation Performed by Novice Personnel in Patients with Cervical Immobilization: A Manikin Study

Introduction: Pre-hospital intubation is a challenging but essential intervention. During intubation, it is difficult to identify vocal cords when using a cervical collar and trauma board. Therefore, the success rate of intubation by paramedics decreases in trauma patients. Video laryngoscopy increases intubation success rate and has been recommended for difficult airways in studies. Objective: In this study, we compared the intubation success rates when using a video laryngoscope and a direct laryngoscope in a manikin with simulated cervical immobilization. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the manikin’s neck collar and spine board created a complicated airway model with cervical immobilization. Inexperienced paramedic students tried intubation with both methods, and their trial periods were recorded. Students answered a question evaluating the convenience of the procedure for both methods after the trial. Results: In this study, 83 volunteers, who were first-year and second-year paramedics, participated; 32 (38.6%) of the volunteers were first-year students, while 51 (61.4%) were second-year students. All volunteers had previous intubation experience with direct laryngoscopy, but not with video laryngoscopy. There was a statistically significant difference in the first-attempt success rates of the procedure between the groups in favor of video laryngoscope (p=0.022). Note that there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of first attempt durations (p=0.337). Conclusion: Video laryngoscopy in airway management can increase the success rate of first-attempt intubation by inexperienced pre-hospital healthcare personnel.

Impact of COVID-19-adapted guidelines on resuscitation quality in out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrest: a manikin study.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of European Resuscitation Council (ERC) COVID-19-guidelines on resuscitation quality emphasizing advanced airway management in out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrest. In a manikin study paramedics and emergency physicians performed advanced cardiac life support in three settings: ERC guidelines 2015 (control), COVID-19-guidelines as suggested with minimum staff (COVID-19-minimal-personnel); COVID-19-guidelines with paramedics and an emergency physician (COVID-19-advanced-airway-manager). Main outcome measures were no-flow-time, quality metrics as defined by ERC and time intervals to first chest compression, oxygen supply, intubation and first rhythm analysis. Data were presented as mean±standard deviation. Thirty resuscitation scenarios were completed. No-flow-time was markedly prolonged in COVID-19-minimal-personnel (113±37 s) compared to control (55±9 s) and COVID-19-advanced-airway-manager (76±38s; P<0.001 each). In both COVID-19-groups chest compressions started later (COVID-19-minimal-personnel: 32±6 s; COVID-19-advanced-airway-manager: 37±7 s; each P<0.001 vs. control [21±5 s]), but oxygen supply (COVID-19-minimal-personnel: 29±5 s; COVID-19-advanced-airway-manager: 34±7 s; each P<0.001 vs. control [77±19 s]) and first intubation attempt (COVID-19-minimal-personnel: 111±14 s; COVID-19-advanced-airway-manager: 131±20 s; each P<0.001 vs. control [178±44 s]) were performed earlier. However, time interval to successful intubation was similar (control: 198±48 s; COVID-19-minimal-personnel: 181±42 s; COVID-19-advanced-airway-manager: 130±25 s) due to a longer intubation time in COVID-19-minimal-personnel (61±35 s) compared to COVID-19-advanced-airway-manager (P=0.002) and control (19±6 s; P<0.001). Time to first rhythm analysis was more than doubled in COVID-19-minimal-personnel (138±96 s) compared to control (50±12 s; P<0.001). Delayed chest compressions and prolonged no-flow-time markedly reduced the quality of resuscitation. These negative effects were attenuated by increasing the number of staff and by adding an experienced airway manager. The use of endotracheal intubation for reducing aerosol release during resuscitation should be discussed critically as its priorization is associated with an increase in no-flow-time.

The Impact of Body Mass Index Values on the Quality of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: a Manikin Study

Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of body mass index (BMI) on the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by using a manikin. Methods: 50 people composed of research assistants, intern doctors, emergency medical technicians and nurses who had previous cardiopulmonary resuscitation experience performed CPR on Laerdal Skillmeter Resusci-Anne® with SimPad manikin during the study. BMI data of participants were recorded and then the participanst were categorised as BMI &amp;lt;21 and BMI &amp;gt;21. Compression data obtained from the summary section of SimPAD QCPR were compared with the participants BMI values. Results: 18 (36%) out of 50 participants were male, while 32 (64%) were female. 16 (32%) out of 50 participants were in the slim group, while 34 (68%) were in the normal group. Mean age of participants was calculated as 26.8±4.2, and mean BMI as 22.56±3.32. Mean compression depth in the slim group was significantly lower in comparison to the normal group (slim51.94±4.64, normal 55.79±4.35, p=0.006). Compression ratiowith sufficient depth in the slim group was statistically lower than the normal group (slim 66.19±25.79, normal 87.29±19.36, p=0.002). A statistically significant positive correlation was found in the lineer regression analysis conducted between mean compression depth and BMI (r2:0.179, p=0.002). Moreover, a significant positive correlation was observed in the pearson correlation analysis of mean compression depth and BMI (r: 0.423, p= 0.002). Conclusion: As a result, it was found out that low BMI values are associated with low mean compression depth.

Macintosh laryngoscope and i-view\u2122 and C-MAC\xae video laryngoscopes for tracheal intubation with an aerosol box: a randomized crossover manikin study

BackgroundWe tested the hypothesis that the C-MAC® video laryngoscope (C-MAC) with an external display is more useful than the disposable i-view™ video laryngoscope (i-view) with an integrated display or a Macintosh direct laryngoscope (Macintosh) for tracheal intubation with an aerosol box.MethodsIn this randomized, crossover manikin study, we recruited 37 medical personnel with > 2 years of dedicated anesthesia experience from five hospitals. After the three successful intubations within 60 s using each laryngoscope without a box, the participants performed tracheal intubation thrice with each laryngoscope with at least 2-h intervals in a determined order. The primary outcome was the intubation time. The secondary outcomes were success rate, Cormack-Lehane grade, and subjective difficulty scale score.ResultsThirty-seven personnel (11 women and 26 men) with 12 [5–19] (median [interquartile range]) years of anesthesia and intensive care experience were enrolled. There was no significant difference in the intubation time: 30 [26–32] s for Macintosh, 29 [26–32] s for i-view, and 29 [25–31] s for C-MAC (P = 0.247). The success rate was 95–100%, without a significant difference (P = 0.135). The i-view and C-MAC exhibited superior Cormack-Lehane grades and lower subjective difficulty scale scores than the Macintosh; however, there were no differences between the i-view and C-MAC.ConclusionsRapid and highly successful tracheal intubation was possible with both Macintosh, i-view, and C-MAC on a normal airway manikin in an aerosol box. Improved Cormack-Lehane grade and the ease of performing the procedure may support the use of video laryngoscopes.Trial registrationUMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000040269. Registered 30 April 2020.

The Performance of Flexible Tip Bougie™ in Intubating Simulated Difficult Airway Model.

This prospective, randomized, cross-over study compared the performance of the novel Flexible Tip Bougie™ (FTB) with a conventional bougie as an intubation aid in a simulated difficult airway manikin model among anaesthesiology trainees with regards of first pass success rate, time to intubation, number of attempts and ease of use. Sixty-two anesthesiology trainees, novice to the usage of FTB, participated in this study. Following a video demonstration, each participant performed endotracheal intubation on a manikin standardized to a difficult airway view. Each participant performed direct laryngoscopy and intubated the manikin using a conventional bougie and FTB, at least 1 day in between devices, in a randomized order. The first pass success rate was significantly higher with FTB (98.4%) compared to conventional bougie (85.5%), p = 0.008. The median time to intubation was significantly faster when using FTB, median = 32.0 s [Interquartile range (IQR): 23.8–41.3 s] compared to when using conventional bougie, median = 41.5 s (IQR: 31.8–69.5 s), p < 0.001. The FTB required significantly less intubation attempts compared to conventional bougie, p = 0.024. The overall ease of use, scored on a Likert scale from 1 to 5, was significantly higher in the FTB (4.26 ± 0.53) compared to the conventional bougie (3.19 ± 0.83), p < 0.001. This simulated difficult airway manikin study finding suggested that FTB is a useful adjunct for difficult airway intubation. The FTB offered a higher first pass success rate with a faster time to intubation and less required attempts.

Can Video Assistance Improve the Quality of Pediatric Dispatcher-Assisted Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation?

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of adding video conferencing to dispatcher-assisted telephone cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on pediatric bystander CPR quality. We conducted a prospective, randomized manikin study among volunteers with no CPR training and among bachelor nurses. Volunteers randomly received either video or audio assistance in a 6-minute pediatric cardiac arrest scenario. The main outcome measures were the results of the Cardiff Test to assess compression and ventilation performance. Of 255 candidates assessed for eligibility, 120 subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of the 4 following groups: untrained telephone-guided (U-T; n = 30) or video-guided (U-V; n = 30) groups and trained telephone-guided (T-T; n = 30) or video-guided (T-V; n = 30) groups. Cardiac arrest was appropriately identified in 86.7% of the U-T group and in 100% in the other groups (P = 0.0061). Hand positioning was adequate in 76.7% of T-T, 80% of T-V, and 60% of U-V, as compared with 23.4% of the U-T group (P = 0.0001). Fewer volunteers managed to deliver 2 rescue breaths/cycle (P = 0.0001) in the U-T (16.7%) compared with the U-V (43.3%), the T-T (56.7%), and the T-V groups (60%).Subjects in the video groups had a lower fraction of minute to ventilate as compared with the telephone groups (P = 0.0005). In dispatcher-instructed children CPR simulation, using video assistance improves cardiac arrest recognition and CPR quality with more appropriate chest compression technique and ventilation delivering. The long interruptions in chest compression combined with the mixed success rate to deliver proper ventilation raise question about ventilation quality and its effectiveness.

"Elbow-Lock" Chest Compression Method in the Setting of Single Rescuer Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Crossover Simulation Study.

We designed a new 1-handed chest compression method, the "elbow-lock" chest compression (ELCC), for a single rescuer in pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Then, we compared the effectiveness between the ELCC and standard chest compression (SCC) method. This prospective, randomized controlled, crossover simulation trial studied 34 emergency medical professionals, including physicians, nurses, and EMTs. We compare the quality of chest compression and fatigue point time between the ELCC and the SCC. Participants who performed the ELCC method maintained a proper depth of compression compared with SCC method (50.0 ± 0.3 mm vs 40.5 ± 0.4 mm, P < 0.001). However, the 2 methods did not differ in terms of compression velocity since neither reached the standard velocity (96.7 ± 7.1/minutes vs 91.7 ± 7.0/minutes, P < 0.016). With respect to the overall score, ELCC was more effective than the SCC (91.6 ± 3.7% vs 85.3 ± 8.8%, P = 0.002). In addition, the fatigue point time was slower in the ELCC group than the SCC group (7.3 ± 0.3/minutes vs 6.1 ± 0.4/minutes, P < 0.001). The single rescuer ELCC method is an effective alternative to the SCC method for pediatric CPR because the ELCC method can prevent elbow flexion.Trial registration: Our research is simulation manikin study. So we do not need to "trial registration".

Effect of using barrier devices on intubation times and performance—a randomized, prospective, crossover manikin study

BackgroundThe impact of barrier devices on endotracheal intubation times is unknown.ObjectiveWe sought to compare the effects using conventional personal protective equipment, an aerosol box, and a transparent plastic drape on intubation times by experienced emergency physicians on a manikin in both the sniffing and ramped positions in a randomized, prospective cross-over study design.MethodsA total of 13 experienced emergency physicians performed endotracheal intubations on a manikin in both the sniffing and ramped positions using conventional personal protective equipment (PPE), an aerosol box, and a transparent plastic drape. The primary outcome was intubation time; secondary outcomes included first-pass success rates and ratings of difficulty in accessing the device, inserting the endotracheal tube into the glottis, maneuvering the laryngoscope, and clear vision of the manikin’s face.ResultsThe use of an aerosol box or transparent plastic drape increased intubation times in both the sniffing and ramped positions. First-pass success rates did not differ between the groups. Perceptions of difficulty accessing the device, inserting the endotracheal tube into the glottis, maneuvering the laryngoscope, and obtaining a clear view of the manikin’s face to the model were higher when using the aerosol box and transparent plastic drape compared to intubation with only PPE.ConclusionAn aerosol box and transparent plastic drape may increase intubation times during endotracheal intubation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in both the sniffing and ramped positions. Further research should investigate the utility of these devices during endotracheal intubation.Trial registration number and date: NCT04412226; 31 May 2020.

Effects of metronome use on cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality.

OBJECTIVE:Whether the use of metronome affects the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of metronome use on CPR quality.METHODS:This was a prospective, simulation-based CPR manikin study. There were two phases: without and with metronome use. Chest compression was performed for 2 min, and three CPR quality criteria including chest compression depth, recoil, and rate were recorded with TrueCPR Feedback Device in both phases.RESULTS:In all, 102 resident physicians were included. The achievement of optimal chest compression depth and complete recoil was better with metronome use than without (83% and 77% vs. 78% and 39%, P ≤ 0.001, respectively). Optimal chest compression rate was also reached with metronome use because the range of the compression rate was closer to the normal limits than those without metronome use (110 [interquartile range (IQR) 109–113] vs. 120 [IQR 109–129], P ≤ 0.001). Of all the participants, 70.6% stated that metronome use had a positive effect on their performance during the CPR application and 66.7% stated that they wished to use the metronome in their daily practice.CONCLUSION:Using a metronome during simulation-based CPR improved the compression depth and recoil by fixing chest compression rate. We suggested that metronome should be used in CPR trainings of health-care professionals.

Video Laryngoscopy Improves Intubation Times With Level C Personal Protective Equipment in Novice Physicians: A Randomized Cross-Over Manikin Study.

The use of video laryngoscopes by novice physicians may improve first-pass success rates compared with direct laryngoscopy. The aim of the present study was to assess whether time to intubation, number of laryngoscopy attempts, and first-pass success rate during laryngoscopy with the video laryngoscope or conventional Macintosh laryngoscope are affected by personal protective equipment (PPE) donning. Seventy inexperienced physicians were randomly assigned to video laryngoscope or Macintosh groups and were instructed to perform intubation with both devices on a manikin, using PPE or a standard uniform. The primary outcomes were insertion time, number of laryngoscopy attempts, and first-pass success rates for each device with or without donning PPE. In the Macintosh group, significantly less time was needed for the first successful intubation without PPE vs. with PPE (12.17±3.69s vs. 24.07±5.09s, respectively; p<0.0001). On the other hand, such difference was not observed in the video laryngoscope group (14.99±3.01s vs. 14.01±3.35s, respectively; p=0.07). With PPE, the first-pass success rate was significantly higher in the video laryngoscope group [41 (58.6%) vs. 66 (94.3%), p<0.001]. The use of the video laryngoscope resulted in a significant decrease in insertion time compared with the Macintosh blade (14.01±3.35s vs. 24.07±5.09s, respectively; p<0.0001). First-pass success and insertion time with the video laryngoscope were not affected by PPE donning. However, both were negatively affected with the Macintosh laryngoscope.

Analysis of cardiopulmonary resuscitation during main stretcher transport - A manikin study -

Analysis of cardiopulmonary resuscitation during main stretcher transport - A manikin study -

McGRATH MAC video laryngoscope assistance during transesophageal echocardiography may reduce the risk of complications: a manikin study

BackgroundAlthough transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is considered a relatively safe diagnostic monitoring method, blind probe insertion is associated with pharyngeal trauma. Through visual observation of the esophageal inlet with the McGRATH video laryngoscope, it may be possible to insert the TEE probe at an appropriate angle and prevent pharyngeal trauma. We conducted a manikin study to investigate whether the use of the McGRATH video laryngoscope for TEE probe insertion reduced the pressure on the posterior pharyngeal wall.MethodsTwenty-seven junior (inexperienced group) and 10 senior (experienced group) anesthesiologists participated in this study. The TEE probe was inserted into an airway manikin in a blind fashion (blind group) or under visualization with the McGRATH (McGRATH group) video laryngoscope (three times each). A sealed bag filled with normal saline was placed on the back of the posterior pharyngeal wall of the manikin and connected to a patient monitoring system via a pressure transducer. We measured the internal bag pressure and approximated this value to the pressure on the posterior pharyngeal wall.ResultsThe pressure on the posterior pharyngeal wall was significantly lower in the McGRATH group than in the blind group (p < 0.001) and was significantly reduced when the McGRATH was employed in both the inexperienced (p < 0.001) and experienced (p < 0.001) groups.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that TEE probe insertion under the assistance of the McGRATH video laryngoscope can reduce the pressure on the posterior pharyngeal wall, regardless of the clinician’s experience, and may inform clinical practice with the potential to reduce probe insertion-associated complication rates.

The efficacy and usability of suction-based airway clearance devices for foreign body airway obstruction: a manikin randomised crossover trial

BackgroundNewly-developed suction-based airway clearance devices potentially provide a novel way to improve outcome in patients with foreign body airway obstruction. We conducted a randomised controlled crossover manikin trial to compare the efficacy and usability of two of these devices with abdominal thrusts. MethodsWe randomised participants from a UK medical school to one of six groups which determined the order in which participants attempted the three techniques (abdominal thrusts; LifeVac, Nesconset, New York, USA; Dechoker, Concord North Carolina, USA). Randomisation was performed using an online randomisation system. Following brief training, participants sought to remove a foreign body airway obstruction from a manikin using the allocated technique. The primary outcome was successful removal of the foreign body. Usability was assessed in a questionnaire following the three simulations. ResultsWe randomised and analysed data from 90 participants (58% male; 86% aged 18−29 years). Compared with abdominal thrusts, successful foreign body airway obstruction removal was achieved more frequently in manikins in the LifeVac group (odds ratio 47.32, 95% CI 5.75–389.40) but not in the Dechoker group (odds ratio 1.22, 95% CI 0.60–2.47). The usability of LifeVac and abdominal thrusts were generally evaluated more positively than the Dechoker. ConclusionIn this manikin study, we found that, compared with abdominal thrusts, the success rate for foreign body airway obstruction removal was higher in the LifeVac group but not in the Dechoker group.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is more effective for in-hospital cardiac arrest when performed on a stretcher. A manikin study.

Objectives:To compare the efficacies of various chest compression procedures performed on a stretcher during dynamic transport of patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest.Methods:This prospective and randomized cross-over study used manikins. Practitioners were asked to perform chest compressions on a manikin placed on a moving stretcher for 2 minutes. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedures were included the following 3 types: i) CPR-walking (CPR-W) ii) CPR-straddling (CPR-S), and iii) CPR-mechanical chest compression device (CPR-MCCD). Demographic data of the participants, CPR quality indicators, the time between the start command and first compression, level of difficulty, and the distance covered by the stretcher for the duration of each application were recorded.Results:Thirty-two physicians (9 female, 23 male), participated in this study. The CPR-MCCD procedure was the most effective for all parameters, except the time between the start command and first compression. On the other hand, the compression rate at optimal depth, CPR success score, distance covered, and level of difficulty parameters were significantly favored in the CPR-S group, when compared to the CPR-W group (p<0.001, all comparisons).Conclusions:It is possible to perform high-quality chest compressions during patient transport using the CPR-MCCD method. The CPR-S method allowed practitioners to perform higher-quality chest compressions compared to CPR-W.

Relationship between Hand Force and Chest Compression in Manikin Study

A C-shaped bend is prevalent in long, thin fingers when administering the two-finger compression technique in infant cardiac arrest, making vertical chest compressions difficult. This study was a mannequin experiment, which investigated the effect of grip and back muscle strengths on the outcome of infant chest compressions. Twenty 4th year paramedicine students who had completed 15 weeks of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training were recruited as subjects in this study. The results demonstrated greater grip strength in men than in women. Additionally, grip strength, height, and sex were found to have significant correlations with the depth of chest compressions. The chest compression depth decreased over time, using the two-finger compression technique, while the rate of incomplete release increased. Grip strength was observed to affect the ability to maintain compression depth over time, demonstrating the need for a program to improve basic fitness.

Impact of aerosol enclosure barrier to videolaryngoscopic oro-tracheal intubation: A pilot manikin study

Background: Personal protective equipment used for protection of healthcare workers in the combat against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 pandemic is in limited supply worldwide at present – 2020. Use of barrier enclosure during endotracheal intubation can potentially act as a cost-effective adjunct to minimize risks of transmitting the infection to healthcare workers. However, there is concern that the enclosure itself will act as a barrier to the intubation procedure in the emergency settings. Objective: To evaluate the negative effect of barrier enclosure (an aerosol box) on the performance of video-assisted intubation in a manikin Methods: A total of 41 Emergency Department doctors from a local hospital were recruited to perform intubation in a manikin simulating normal and more difficult airways (Cormack-Lehane grades I and IIb) with and without the box. The primary outcome was time of successful intubation. The secondary outcomes were first-attempt success rate, number of successful attempts, need of adjuncts, dental injury and ease of intubation as perceived by the participants. Results: The aerosol box had no significant negative effect on the time of successful intubation (p = 0.630 (Grade I airway) and p = 0.436 (Grade IIb airway)), first-attempt success rate, number of successful attempts, need of adjuncts or dental injury. Participants subjectively reported extra yet minor challenges during intubation in the presence of the box. Conclusion: Within limits of the pilot study, the aerosol box had no statistical significant difference but an increasing trend of prolonged endotracheal intubation interval in the Grade IIb airway and negative impact on first-pass success, and could potentially be used to protect healthcare workers during the aerosol-generating intubation procedure.

High variability in nurses' tactile stimulation methods in response to apnoea of prematurity-A neonatal manikin study.

AimNeonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses provide tactile stimulation to terminate apnoea in preterm infants, but guidelines recommending specific methods are lacking. In this study, we evaluated current methods of tactile stimulation performed by NICU nurses.MethodsNurses were asked to demonstrate and explain their methods of tactile stimulation on a manikin, using an apnoea scenario. All nurses demonstrated their methods three times in succession, with the manikin positioned either prone, supine or lateral. Finally, the nurses were asked how they decided on the methods of tactile stimulation used. The stimulation methods were logged in chronological order by describing both the technique and the location. The nurses' explanations were transcribed and categorised.ResultsIn total, 47 nurses demonstrated their methods of stimulation on the manikin. Overall, 57 different combinations of technique and location were identified. While most nurses (40/47, 85%) indicated they learned how to stimulate during their training, 15/40 (38%) of them had adjusted their methods over time. The remaining 7/47 (15%) stated that their stimulation methods were self‐developed.ConclusionTactile stimulation performed by NICU nurses to terminate apnoea was highly variable in both technique and location, and these methods were based on either prior training or intuition.

A manikin study comparing the performance of the GlideScope®, the Airtraq® and the C-MAC® in endotracheal intubation using suction-assisted laryngoscopy airway decontamination techniques in a simulated massive haematemesis scenario by emergency doctors

Background: The suction-assisted laryngoscopy and airway decontamination (SALAD) techniques (level 1, SALAD-1 and level 2, SALAD-2) are newly proposed airway management skills to facilitate endotracheal intubation in patients with massive haematemesis. A pilot study using GlideScope® demonstrated the superior performance of SALAD-1 technique in massive haematemesis simulation. Objectives: To compare the performance of three different video laryngoscopes (the GlideScope®, the Airtraq® and the C-MAC®) in endotracheal intubation using SALAD techniques by emergency doctors in a manikin simulating massive haematemesis. Methods: Forty-eight emergency doctors were recruited. The participants’ performance of endotracheal intubation using the GlideScope®, the Airtraq® and the C-MAC® with the conventional and the two SALAD techniques in a manikin simulating massive haematemesis was evaluated. The time for intubation, number of attempts, rate of failed intubation, amount of aspirated fluid and the subjective ease of different devices and techniques were compared. Results: The C-MAC® had shorter intubation time compared with GlideScope® when using conventional (mean intubation time: 28.48 vs 47.00 s, p = 0.018) and SALAD-1 technique (mean intubation time: 29.35 vs 43.25 s, p &lt; 0.039). The intubation time of all three video laryngoscopes was similar in SALAD-2 technique. There was no significant difference in the number of attempts and failed intubation rate among different video laryngoscopes in using different techniques. Intubation with the C-MAC® resulted in the least mean amount of aspiration in all the conventional (35.63 mL), SALAD-1 (14.06 mL) and SALAD-2 (18.13 mL) techniques. However, the results were not significantly different from the GlideScope® and the Airtraq®. The C-MAC® was rated the most favourable video laryngoscope for the SALAD-1 technique (p &lt; 0.001). There was no significant preference for different video laryngoscopes in using the SALAD-2 technique (p = 0.111). Conclusion: All the video laryngoscopes have similar intubation performance with the SALAD-1 and SALAD-2 techniques. The C-MAC® performed better than GlideScope® in terms of intubation time. The C-MAC® was the most favourable video laryngoscope for the SALAD-1 technique.

Efficacy of warming systems in mountain rescue: an experimental manikin study

Mountain accident casualties are often exposed to cold and windy weather. This may induce post-traumatic hypothermia which increases mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of warming systems to compensate for the victim’s estimated heat loss in a simulated mountain rescue operation. We used thermal manikins and developed a thermodynamic model of a virtual patient. Manikins were placed on a mountain rescue stretcher and exposed to wind chill indices of 0 °C and − 20 °C in a climatic chamber. We calculated the heat balance for two simulated clinical scenarios with both a shivering and non-shivering victim and measured the heat gain from gel, electrical, and chemical warming systems for 3.5 h. The heat balance in the simulated shivering patient was positive. In the non-shivering patient, we found a negative heat balance for both simulated weather conditions (− 429.53 kJ at 0 °C and − 1469.78 kJ at − 20 °C). Each warming system delivered about 300 kJ. The efficacy of the gel and electrical systems was higher within the first hour than later (p < 0.001). We conclude that none of the tested warming systems is able to compensate for heat loss in a simulated model of a non-shivering patient whose physiological heat production is impaired during a prolonged mountain evacuation. Additional thermal insulation seems to be required in these settings.