Validation of a Simulation-Based Resuscitation Curriculum for Maternal Cardiac Arrest.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy of health care participants completing a simulation-based blended learning training curriculum on managing maternal medical emergencies and maternal cardiac arrest (Obstetric Life Support). METHODS: A formative assessment of the Obstetric Life Support curriculum was performed with a prehospital cohort comprising emergency medical services professionals and a hospital-based cohort comprising health care professionals who work primarily in hospital or urgent care settings and respond to maternal medical emergencies. The training consisted of self-guided precourse work and an instructor-led simulation course using a customized low-fidelity simulator. Baseline and postcourse assessments included multiple-choice cognitive test, self-efficacy questionnaire, and graded Megacode assessment of the team leader. Megacode scores and pass rates were analyzed descriptively. Pre- and post-self-confidence assessments were compared with an exact binomial test, and cognitive scores were compared with generalized linear mixed models. RESULTS: The training was offered to 88 participants between December 2019 and November 2021. Eighty-five participants consented to participation; 77 participants completed the training over eight sessions. At baseline, fewer than half of participants were able to achieve a passing score on the cognitive assessment as determined by the expert panel. After the course, mean cognitive assessment scores improved by 13 points, from 69.4% at baseline to 82.4% after the course (95% CI 10.9-15.1, P <.001). Megacode scores averaged 90.7±6.4%. The Megacode pass rate was 96.1%. There were significant improvements in participant self-efficacy, and the majority of participants (92.6%) agreed or strongly agreed that the course met its educational objectives. CONCLUSION: After completing a simulation-based blended learning program focused on managing maternal cardiac arrest using a customized low-fidelity simulator, most participants achieved a defensible passing Megacode score and significantly improved their knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy.

Characterization of non-cardiac arrest PulsePoint activations in public and private settings.

BACKGROUND: Geospatial smartphone application alert systems are used in some communities to crowdsource community response for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Although the clinical focus of this strategy is OHCA, dispatch identification of OHCA is imperfect so that activation may occur for the non-arrest patient. The frequency and clinical profile of such non-arrest patients has not been well-investigated. METHODS: We undertook a prospective 3-year cohort investigation of patients for whom a smartphone geospatial application was activated for suspected OHCA in four United States communities (total population ~1 million). The current investigation evaluates those patients with an activation for suspected OHCA who did not experience cardiac arrest. The volunteer response cohort included off-duty, volunteer public safety personnel (verified responders) notified regardless of location (public or private) and laypersons notified to public locations. The study linked the smartphone application information with the EMS records to report the frequency, condition type, and EMS treatment for these non-arrest patients. RESULTS: Of 1779 calls where volunteers were activated, 756 had suffered OHCA, resulting in 1023 non-arrest patients for study evaluation. The most common EMS assessments were syncope (15.9%, n=163), altered mental status (15.5%, n=159), seizure (14.3%, n=146), overdose (13.0%, n=133), and choking (10.5%, n=107). The assessment distribution was similar for private and public locations. Overall, the most common EMS interventions included placement of an intravenous line (43.1%, n=441), 12-Lead ECG(27.9%, n=285), naloxone treatment (9.8%, n=100), airway or ventilation assistance (8.7%, n=89), and oxygen administration (6.6%, n=68). CONCLUSIONS: More than half of patients activated for suspected OHCA had conditions other than cardiac arrest. A subset of these conditions may benefit from earlier care that could be provided by both layperson and public safety volunteers if they were appropriately trained and equipped.

Improving response to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: The verified responder program pilot.

BACKGROUND: Survival following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) decreases as the interval from collapse to CPR and defibrillation increases. Innovative approaches are needed to reduce response intervals, especially for private locations. METHODS: We undertook the Verified Responder Program in 5 United States communities during 2018, whereby off-duty EMS professionals volunteered and were equipped with automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Volunteers were alerted using a geospatial smartphone application (PulsePoint) and could respond to nearby private and public suspected OHCA. The study evaluated the frequency of Verified Responder notification, response, scene arrival, and initial care prior to EMS arrival. OHCA surveillance used the CARES registry. RESULTS: Of the 651 OHCA events (475 private, 176 public), Verified Responders were notified in 7.4% (n = 49). Among the 475 in a private location, volunteers were alerted in 8% (n = 38), responded in 2.7% (n = 13), arrived on scene in 2.3% (n = 11), and provided initial care in 1.7% (n = 8). Among the 176 in a public location, volunteers were alerted in 6.3% (n = 11), responded in 2.3% (n = 4), arrived on-scene in 2.3% (n = 4), and provided initial care in 2.3% (n = 4). Over 96% surveyed had positive impression of the program and intended to continue participation. No responder reported any adverse event. CONCLUSIONS: In this initial US-based experience of a smartphone program for suspected OHCA in private and public locations, Verified Responders reported a positive experience, though were only involved in a small fraction of OHCA. Studies should determine how this type of program could be enhanced to involve more OHCA events.