Endovascular therapeutic hypothermia adjunctive to percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction: realistic simulation as a game changer.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular therapeutic hypothermia (ETH) reduces the damage by ischemia/reperfusion cell syndrome in cardiac arrest and has been studied as an adjuvant therapy to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). New available advanced technology allows cooling much faster, but there is paucity of resources for training to avoid delays in door-to-balloon time (DTB) due to ETH and subsequently coronary reperfusion, which would derail the procedure. The aim of the study was to describe the process for the development of a simulation, training & educational protocol for the multidisciplinary team to perform optimized ETH as an adjunctive therapy for STEMI. METHODS AND RESULTS: We developed an optimized simulation protocol using modern mannequins in different realistic scenarios for the treatment of patients undergoing ETH adjunctive to PCI for STEMIs starting from the emergency room, through the CathLab, and to the intensive care unit (ICU) using the Proteus® Endovascular System (Zoll Circulation Inc™, San Jose, CA, USA). The primary endpoint was door-to-balloon (DTB) time. We successfully trained 361 multidisciplinary professionals in realistic simulation using modern mannequins and sham situations in divisions of the hospital where real patients would be treated. The focus of simulation and training was logistical optimization and educational debriefing with strategies to reduce waste of time in patient's transportation from different departments, and avoiding excessive rewarming during transfer. Afterwards, the EHT protocol was successfully validated in a trial randomizing 50 patients for 18 minutes cooling before coronary recanalization at the target temperature of 32 ± 1.0 ∘C or PCI-only. A total of 35 patients underwent ETH (85.7% [30/35] in 90 ± 15 minutes), without delays in the mean door-to-balloon time for primary PCI when compared to 15 control group patients (92.1 minutes versus 87 minutes, respectively; p = 0.509). CONCLUSIONS: Realistic simulation, intensive training and educational debriefing for the multidisciplinary team propitiated feasible endovascular therapeutic hypothermia as an adjuvant therapy to primary PCI in STEMI. CLINICALTRIALS: gov: NCT02664194.

The Use of the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. / O Uso da Escala de Borg na Percepção do Esforço em Manobras de Reanimação Cardiopulmonar.

BACKGROUND: A cardiopulmonary arrest is a critical event whose survival rate is related to the quality of resuscitation maneuvers combined with the use of technology. It is important to understand the perception of fatigue during this procedure, aiming to improve the effectiveness of compressions to increase the chances of survival. OBJECTIVES: To apply the Borg rating of perceived exertion scale (Borg scale) to analyze the exertion perceived by nurses during cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers using a feedback device. METHODS: Experimental study with a randomized distribution of nurses in a teaching hospital. Perceived exertion during simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation with/without a feedback device was assessed using the Borg scale. The statistical significance level of 5% was adopted. RESULTS: 69 nurses working in critical and non-critical adult care units were included. Perceived exertion and heart rate were lower in the intervention group (p<0.001), influenced by the feedback device, with no significant difference between critical and non-critical units. CONCLUSIONS: The Borg scale proved to be adequate for the proposed objectives. The feedback device contributed to lower exertion and heart rate reduction during resuscitation maneuvers. The low cost and ease of application favor its use during training and real-time resuscitation attempts to assess performance using a feedback device to reduce exertion and perception of fatigue. It allows reflection on the intervening factors and resources that can influence the quality of resuscitation attempts and the chances of survival.

FUNDAMENTO: A parada cardiorrespiratória é um evento crítico cuja taxa de sobrevivência é relacionada à qualidade das manobras de reanimação, aliada à tecnologia. É importante compreender a percepção do cansaço durante esse procedimento visando a efetividade das compressões e o aumento das chances na sobrevida. OBJETIVO: Aplicar a Escala de Borg para analisar o esforço percebido por enfermeiros durante as manobras de reanimação cardiopulmonar com dispositivo de feedback. MÉTODO: Estudo experimental com distribuição randomizada de enfermeiros em hospital de ensino, simulando parada cardiorrespiratória, para avaliação da percepção do esforço utilizando a escala de Borg durante a reanimação cardiopulmonar com/sem dispositivo de feedback. Foi adotado nível de significância estatística 5%. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 69 enfermeiros atuantes em unidades críticas e não críticas de atendimento ao adulto. A percepção de esforço e a frequência cardíaca foi menor no grupo intervenção (p<0,001), influenciadas pelo dispositivo de feedback, sem diferença significativa quanto às unidades de atuação. CONCLUSÃO: A escala de Borg mostrou-se adequada para os objetivos propostos. O dispositivo de feedback contribuiu no menor esforço e redução da frequência cardíaca durante as manobras de reanimação. O baixo custo e a facilidade de aplicação favorecem o uso em treinamentos e atendimentos em tempo real para avaliar o desempenho durante a reanimação, utilizando dispositivo de feedback por reduzir os esforços e a percepção do cansaço. Também permite a reflexão sobre os fatores intervenientes e recursos que podem influenciar na qualidade da assistência e nas chances de sobrevivência.

Effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training in the teaching of family members of cardiac patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a cardiopulmonary resuscitation training in the skill acquisition of family members of heart disease patients. METHOD: A quasi-experimental study, conducted in a hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. The study participants were one or more relatives of patients with heart disease that were hospitalized at the institution. In the first phase, the participant's skills and theoretical knowledge on cardiopulmonary resuscitation were evaluated before and immediately after the training. The second phase took place one month after the training, in which the same evaluations were applied. The McNemar's and Stuart-Maxwell tests were adopted (5% significance level). RESULTS: The theoretical knowledge of family members before and after training increased and a great retention of this knowledge after 30 days of training was observed. Immediately after training, the family members showed significant improvement of skills in the 15 analyzed actions and, after one month of training, they maintained most of the acquired practices on cardiopulmonary resuscitation, except for chest compressions frequency and the time between turning on the defibrillator and delivering the shock. CONCLUSION: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training was effective in the acquisition of theoretical and practical knowledge of the family members.

Do automated real-time feedback devices improve CPR quality? A systematic review of literature.

AIM: Automated real-time feedback devices have been considered a potential tool to improve the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Despite previous studies supporting the usefulness of such devices during training, others have conflicting conclusions regarding its efficacy during real-life CPR. This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of automated real-time feedback devices for improving CPR performance during training, simulation and real-life resuscitation attempts in the adult and paediatric population. METHODS: Articles published between January 2010 and November 2020 were searched from BVS, Cinahl, Cochrane, PubMed and Web of Science, and reviewed according to a pre-defined set of eligibility criteria which included healthcare providers and randomised controlled trial studies. CPR quality was assessed based on guideline compliance for chest compression rate, chest compression depth and residual leaning. RESULTS: The selection strategy led to 19 eligible studies, 16 in training/simulation and three in real-life CPR. Feedback devices during training and/or simulation resulted in improved acquisition of skills and enhanced performance in 15 studies. One study resulted in no significant improvement. During real resuscitation attempts, three studies demonstrated significant improvement with the use of feedback devices in comparison with standard CPR (without feedback device). CONCLUSION: The use of automated real-time feedback devices enhances skill acquisition and CPR performance during training of healthcare professionals. Further research is needed to better understand the role of feedback devices in clinical setting.

Cooling as an Adjunctive Therapy to Percutaneous Intervention in Acute Myocardial Infarction: COOL-MI InCor Trial.

Endovascular Therapeutic hypothermia (ETH) reduces the damage caused by postischemia reperfusion injury syndrome in cardiopulmonary arrest and has already established its role in patients with sudden death; however, its role in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains controversial. The objectives of this study were to investigate the safety, feasibility, and 30-day efficacy of rapid induction of therapeutic hypothermia as adjunctive therapy to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with anterior and inferior STEMIs. This was a prospective, controlled, randomized, two-arm, prospective, interventional study of patients admitted to the emergency department within 6 hours of angina onset, with anterior or inferior STEMI eligible for PCI. Subjects were randomized to the hypothermia group (primary PCI+ETH) or to the control group (primary PCI) at a 4:1 ratio. The ETH was induced by 1 L cold saline (1-4°C) associated with the Proteus™ System, by cooling for at least 18 minutes before coronary reperfusion with a target temperature of 32°C ± 1°C. Maintenance of ETH was conducted for 1-3 hours, and active reheating was done at a rate of 1°C/h for 4 hours. Primary safety outcomes were the feasibility of ETH in the absence of (1) door-to-balloon (DTB) delay; (2) major adverse cardiac events (MACE) within 30 days after randomization. The primary outcomes of effectiveness were infarct size (IS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at 30 days. An as-treated statistical analysis was performed. Fifty patients were included: 35 (70%) randomized to the hypothermia group and 15 (30%) to the control group. The mean age was 58 ± 12 years; 78% were men; and associated diseases were 60% hypertension, 42% diabetes, and 72% dyslipidemia. The compromised myocardial wall was anterior in 38% and inferior in 62%, and the culprit vessels were left anterior descending artery (LAD) (40%), right coronary artery (38%), and left circumflex (18%). All 35 patients who attempted ETH (100%) had successful cooling, with a mean endovascular coronary reperfusion temperature of 33.1°C ± 0.9°C. The mean ischemic time was 375 ± 89.4 minutes in the hypothermia group and 359.5 ± 99.4 minutes in the control group. The mean DTB was 92.1 ± 20.5 minutes in the hypothermia group and 87 ± 24.4 minutes in the control group. The absolute difference of 5.1 minutes was not statistically significant (p = 0.509). The MACE rates were similar between both groups (21.7% vs. 20% respectively, p = 0.237). In the comparison between the hypothermia and control groups, no statistically significant differences were observed at 30 days between mean IS (13.9% ± 8% vs. 13.8% ± 10.8%, respectively, p = 0.801) and mean final LVEF (43.3% ± 11.2% vs. 48.3 ± 10.9%, respectively; p = 0.194). Hypothermia as an adjunctive therapy to primary PCI in STEMI is feasible and can be implemented without delay in coronary reperfusion. Hypothermia was safe regarding the incidence of MACE at 30 days. However, there was a higher incidence of arrhythmia and in-hospital infection in the hypothermia group, with no increase in mortality. Regarding efficacy, there was no difference in IS or LVEF at 30 days that would suggest additional myocardial protection with ETH. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02664194.

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.

Position Statement: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19 - 2020. / Posicionamento para Ressuscitação Cardiopulmonar de Pacientes com Diagnóstico ou Suspeita de COVID-19 ­ 2020.

Care for patients with cardiac arrest in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has several unique aspects that warrant particular attention. This joint position statement by the Brazilian Association of Emergency Medicine (ABRAMEDE), Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC), Brazilian Association of Intensive Care Medicine (AMIB), and Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA), all official societies representing the corresponding medical specialties affiliated with the Brazilian Medical Association (AMB), provides recommendations to guide health care workers in the current context of limited robust evidence, aiming to maximize the protection of staff and patients alike. It is essential that full aerosol precautions, which include wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, be followed during resuscitation. It is also imperative that potential causes of cardiac arrest of particular interest in this patient population, especially hypoxia, cardiac arrhythmias associated with QT prolongation, and myocarditis, be considered and addressed. An advanced invasive airway device should be placed early. Use of HEPA filters at the bag-valve interface is mandatory. Management of cardiac arrest occurring during mechanical ventilation or during prone positioning demands particular ventilator settings and rescuer positioning for chest compressions which deviate from standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques. Apart from these logistical issues, care should otherwise follow national and international protocols and guidelines, namely the 2015 International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) and 2019 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines and the 2019 Update to the Brazilian Society of Cardiology Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Guideline.

Recommendations for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

The care for patients suffering from cardiopulmonary arrest in a context of a COVID-19 pandemic has particularities that should be highlighted. The following recommendations from the Brazilian Association of Emergency Medicine (ABRAMEDE), the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC) and the Brazilian Association of Intensive Medicine (AMIB) and the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA), associations and societies official representatives of specialties affiliated to the Brazilian Medical Association (AMB), aim to guide the various assistant teams, in a context of little solid evidence, maximizing the protection of teams and patients. It is essential to wear full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for aerosols during the care of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and it is imperative to consider and treat the potential causes in these patients, especially hypoxia and arrhythmias caused by changes in the QT interval or myocarditis. The installation of an advanced invasive airway must be obtained early and the use of High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) filters at the interface with the valve bag is mandatory; situations of occurrence of CPR during mechanical ventilation and in a prone position demand peculiarities that are different from the conventional CPR pattern. Faced with the care of a patient diagnosed or suspected of COVID-19, the care follows the national and international protocols and guidelines 2015 ILCOR (International Alliance of Resuscitation Committees), AHA 2019 Guidelines (American Heart Association) and the Update of the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Care Directive of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology 2019.

A atenção ao paciente vítima de parada cardiorrespiratória em um contexto de pandemia de COVID-19 possui particularidades que devem ser ressaltadas. As seguintes recomendações da Associação Brasileira de Medicina de Emergência (ABRAMEDE), Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia (SBC), Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira (AMIB) e Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia (SBA), associações e sociedades representantes oficiais de especialidades afiliadas a Associação Medica Brasileira (AMB), têm por objetivo orientar as diversas equipes assistentes, em um contexto de poucas evidências sólidas, maximizando a proteção das equipes e dos pacientes.É fundamental a paramentação completa com Equipamentos de Proteção Individual (EPIs) para aerossóis durante o atendimento de Parada Cardiorrespiratória (PCR), e imperativo que se considerem e tratem os potenciais causas nesses pacientes, principalmente hipóxia e arritmias causadas por alterações no intervalo QT ou miocardites. A instalação de via aérea invasiva avançada deve ser obtida precocemente e o uso de filtros High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) na interface com a bolsa-válvula é obrigatório; situações de ocorrência de PCR durante a ventilação mecânica e em posição pronada demandam peculiaridades distintas do padrão convencional de PCR. Frente ao atendimento de um paciente com diagnóstico ou suspeito de COVID-19, o atendimento segue em acordo com os protocolos e diretrizes nacionais e internacionais 2015 ILCOR (Aliança Internacional dos Comitês de Ressuscitação), Diretrizes AHA 2019 (American Heart Association) e a Atualização da Diretriz de Ressuscitação Cardiopulmonar e Cuidados de Emergência da Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia 2019.

Left ventricular systolic function and outcome after in-hospital cardiac arrest.

BACKGROUND: The effect of prearrest left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on outcome after cardiac arrest is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: During a 26-month period, Utstein-style data were prospectively collected on 800 consecutive inpatient adult index cardiac arrests in an observational, single-center study at a tertiary cardiac care hospital. Prearrest echocardiograms were performed on 613 patients (77%) at 11+/-14 days before the cardiac arrest. Outcomes among patients with normal or nearly normal prearrest LVEF (> or = 45%) were compared with those of patients with moderate or severe dysfunction (LVEF < 45%) by chi(2) and logistic regression analyses. Survival to discharge was 19% in patients with normal or nearly normal LVEF compared with 8% in those with moderate or severe dysfunction (adjusted odds ratio, 4.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.3 to 9.9; P<0.001) but did not differ with regard to sustained return of spontaneous circulation (59% versus 56%; P=0.468) or 24-hour survival (39% versus 36%; P=0.550). Postarrest echocardiograms were performed on 84 patients within 72 hours after the index cardiac arrest; the LVEF decreased 25% in those with normal or nearly normal prearrest LVEF (60+/-9% to 45+/-14%; P<0.001) and decreased 26% in those with moderate or severe dysfunction (31+/-7% to 23+/-6%, P<0.001). For all patients, prearrest beta-blocker treatment was associated with higher survival to discharge (33% versus 8%; adjusted odds ratio, 3.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.8 to 8.2; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Moderate and severe prearrest left ventricular systolic dysfunction was associated with substantially lower rates of survival to hospital discharge compared with normal or nearly normal function.

Predictors and their prognostic value for no ROSC and mortality after a non-cardiac surgery intraoperative cardiac arrest: a retrospective cohort study.

Data on predictors of intraoperative cardiac arrest (ICA) outcomes are scarce in the literature. This study analysed predictors of poor outcome and their prognostic value after an ICA. Clinical and laboratory data before and 24 hours (h) after ICA were analysed as predictors for no return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and 24 h and 1-year mortality. Receiver operating characteristic curves for each predictor and sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and post-test probability were calculated. A total of 167,574 anaesthetic procedures were performed, including 158 cases of ICAs. Based on the predictors for no ROSC, a threshold of 13 minutes of ICA yielded the highest area under curve (AUC) (0.867[0.80-0.93]), with a sensitivity and specificity of 78.4% [69.6-86.3%] and 89.3% [80.4-96.4%], respectively. For the 1-year mortality, the GCS without the verbal component 24 h after an ICA had the highest AUC (0.616 [0.792-0.956]), with a sensitivity of 79.3% [65.5-93.1%] and specificity of 86.1 [74.4-95.4]. ICA duration and GCS 24 h after the event had the best prognostic value for no ROSC and 1-year mortality. For 24 h mortality, no predictors had prognostic value.

O Uso da Escala de Borg na Percepção do Esforço em Manobras de Reanimação Cardiopulmonar / The Use of the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Resumo Fundamento A parada cardiorrespiratória é um evento crítico cuja taxa de sobrevivência é relacionada à qualidade das manobras de reanimação, aliada à tecnologia. É importante compreender a percepção do cansaço durante esse procedimento visando a efetividade das compressões e o aumento das chances na sobrevida. Objetivo Aplicar a Escala de Borg para analisar o esforço percebido por enfermeiros durante as manobras de reanimação cardiopulmonar com dispositivo de feedback. Método Estudo experimental com distribuição randomizada de enfermeiros em hospital de ensino, simulando parada cardiorrespiratória, para avaliação da percepção do esforço utilizando a escala de Borg durante a reanimação cardiopulmonar com/sem dispositivo de feedback. Foi adotado nível de significância estatística 5%. Resultados Foram incluídos 69 enfermeiros atuantes em unidades críticas e não críticas de atendimento ao adulto. A percepção de esforço e a frequência cardíaca foi menor no grupo intervenção (p<0,001), influenciadas pelo dispositivo de feedback, sem diferença significativa quanto às unidades de atuação. Conclusão A escala de Borg mostrou-se adequada para os objetivos propostos. O dispositivo de feedback contribuiu no menor esforço e redução da frequência cardíaca durante as manobras de reanimação. O baixo custo e a facilidade de aplicação favorecem o uso em treinamentos e atendimentos em tempo real para avaliar o desempenho durante a reanimação, utilizando dispositivo de feedback por reduzir os esforços e a percepção do cansaço. Também permite a reflexão sobre os fatores intervenientes e recursos que podem influenciar na qualidade da assistência e nas chances de sobrevivência.

Abstract Background A cardiopulmonary arrest is a critical event whose survival rate is related to the quality of resuscitation maneuvers combined with the use of technology. It is important to understand the perception of fatigue during this procedure, aiming to improve the effectiveness of compressions to increase the chances of survival. Objectives To apply the Borg rating of perceived exertion scale (Borg scale) to analyze the exertion perceived by nurses during cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers using a feedback device. Methods Experimental study with a randomized distribution of nurses in a teaching hospital. Perceived exertion during simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation with/without a feedback device was assessed using the Borg scale. The statistical significance level of 5% was adopted. Results 69 nurses working in critical and non-critical adult care units were included. Perceived exertion and heart rate were lower in the intervention group (p<0.001), influenced by the feedback device, with no significant difference between critical and non-critical units. Conclusions The Borg scale proved to be adequate for the proposed objectives. The feedback device contributed to lower exertion and heart rate reduction during resuscitation maneuvers. The low cost and ease of application favor its use during training and real-time resuscitation attempts to assess performance using a feedback device to reduce exertion and perception of fatigue. It allows reflection on the intervening factors and resources that can influence the quality of resuscitation attempts and the chances of survival.

Advanced cardiac life support training improves long-term survival from in-hospital cardiac arrest.

CONTEXT: Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) training was introduced to bring order and a systematic approach to the treatment of cardiac arrest by professional responders. In spite of the wide dissemination of ACLS training, it has been difficult to demonstrate improved outcome following such training. OBJECTIVE: To determine the value of formal ACLS training in improving survival from in-hospital cardiac arrest. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A multi-center, prospective cohort study examined patient outcomes after resuscitation efforts by in-hospital rescue teams with and without ACLS-trained personnel. A total of 156 patients, experiencing 172 in-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest events over a 38-month period (January 1998 to March 2001) were studied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary endpoints included return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), survival to hospital discharge, 30-day survival, and 1-year survival. RESULTS: The immediate success of resuscitation efforts for all patients was 39.7% (62/156). There was a significant increase in ROSC with ACLS-trained personnel (49/113; 43.4%) versus no ALCS-trained personnel (16/59; 27.1%; p=0.04). Likewise, patients treated by ACLS-trained personnel had increased survival to hospital discharge (26/82; 31.7% versus 7/34; 20.6%; p=0.23), significantly better 30-day survival (22/82; 26.8% versus 2/34; 5.9%; p<0.02), and significantly improved 1-year survival (18/82; 21.9% versus 0/34; 0%; p<0.002). CONCLUSION: The presence of at least one ACLS-trained team member at in-hospital resuscitation efforts increases both short and long-term survival following cardiac arrest.

The effects of an online basic life support course on undergraduate nursing students' learning.

OBJECTIVES: To describe learning outcomes of undergraduate nursing students following an online basic life support course (BLS). METHODS: An online BLS course was developed and administered to 94 nursing students. Pre- and post-tests were used to assess theoretical learning. Checklist simulations and feedback devices were used to assess the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills of the 62 students who completed the course. RESULTS: A paired t-test revealed a significant increase in learning [pre-test (6.4 ± 1.61), post-test (9.3 ± 0.82), p < 0.001]. The increase in the average grade after taking the online course was significant (p<0.001). No learning differences (p=0.475) had been observed between 1st and 2nd year (9.20 ± 1.60), and between 3rd and 4th year (9.67 ± 0.61) students. A CPR simulation was performed after completing the course: students checked for a response (90%), exposed the chest (98%), checked for breathing (97%), called emergency services (76%), requested for a defibrillator (92%), checked for a pulse (77%), positioned their hands properly (87%), performed 30 compressions/cycle (95%), performed compressions of at least 5 cm depth (89%), released the chest (90%), applied two breaths (97%), used the automated external defibrillator (97%), and positioned the pads (100%). CONCLUSIONS: The online course was an effective method for teaching and learning key BLS skills wherein students were able to accurately apply BLS procedures during the CPR simulation. This short-term online training, which likely improves learning and self-efficacy in BLS providers, can be used for the continuing education of health professionals.

Effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training in the teaching of family members of cardiac patients / Efectividad del entrenamiento sobre resucitación cardiopulmonar en el aprendizaje de familiares de pacientes cardíacos / Efetividade de treinamento sobre ressuscitação cardiopulmonar na aprendizagem de familiares de pacientes cardiopatas

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a cardiopulmonary resuscitation training in the skill acquisition of family members of heart disease patients. Method: A quasi-experimental study, conducted in a hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. The study participants were one or more relatives of patients with heart disease that were hospitalized at the institution. In the first phase, the participant's skills and theoretical knowledge on cardiopulmonary resuscitation were evaluated before and immediately after the training. The second phase took place one month after the training, in which the same evaluations were applied. The McNemar's and Stuart-Maxwell tests were adopted (5% significance level). Results: The theoretical knowledge of family members before and after training increased and a great retention of this knowledge after 30 days of training was observed. Immediately after training, the family members showed significant improvement of skills in the 15 analyzed actions and, after one month of training, they maintained most of the acquired practices on cardiopulmonary resuscitation, except for chest compressions frequency and the time between turning on the defibrillator and delivering the shock. Conclusion: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training was effective in the acquisition of theoretical and practical knowledge of the family members.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad del entrenamiento sobre resucitación cardiopulmonar en el aprendizaje de familiares de pacientes cardíacos. Método: Estudio cuasiexperimental, realizado en un hospital de São Paulo, Brasil. Participaron de la investigación uno o más familiares de pacientes cardíacos, hospitalizados en la institución. La primera fase evaluó los conocimientos teóricos y habilidades de los participantes sobre resucitación cardiopulmonar antes e inmediatamente después del entrenamiento. La segunda fase se realizó un mes después del entrenamiento, con la aplicación de las mismas evaluaciones. Se adoptaron las pruebas de McNemar y Stuart-Maxwell (nivel de significación del 5%). Resultados: Los familiares incrementaron sus conocimientos teóricos antes y después del entrenamiento, los cuales persistieron después de 30 días de la capacitación. Después del entrenamiento, los familiares mejoraron significativamente las habilidades en las 15 acciones analizadas y, después de un mes de capacitación, mantuvieron la mayoría de las prácticas asimiladas sobre reanimación cardiopulmonar, excepto la frecuencia de las compresiones torácicas y el tiempo entre encender el desfibrilador y aplicar la descarga. Conclusión: El entrenamiento de resucitación cardiopulmonar fue efectivo en el aprendizaje teórico y práctico de los familiares.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a efetividade de um treinamento sobre ressuscitação cardiopulmonar na aprendizagem de familiares de pacientes cardiopatas. Método: Estudo quase experimental, realizado em hospital de São Paulo, Brasil. Participaram da pesquisa um ou mais familiares de pacientes cardiopatas internados na instituição. Na primeira fase foram avaliados o conhecimento teórico e as habilidades dos participantes sobre a ressuscitação cardiopulmonar antes e imediatamente após o treinamento. A segunda fase aconteceu um mês após o treinamento, com a aplicação das mesmas avaliações. Os testes McNemar e Stuart-Maxwell foram adotados (nível de significância de 5%). Resultados: Houve aumento do conhecimento teórico dos familiares antes e após o treinamento e elevada retenção desse conhecimento após 30 dias da capacitação. Os familiares apresentaram, após o treinamento, melhora significativa das habilidades nas 15 ações analisadas e, após um mês da capacitação, mantiveram a maioria das práticas assimiladas sobre ressuscitação cardiopulmonar, com exceção da frequência das compressões torácicas e do tempo entre ligar o desfibrilador e aplicar o choque. Conclusão: O treinamento sobre ressuscitação cardiopulmonar foi efetivo na aprendizagem teórica e prática dos familiares.

Emergency medical services: Brazil.

Emergency medical services in Brazil have been created to offer first aid, primary medical treatment, basic life support, stabilization and rapid transfer to the closest appropriate hospital and advanced life support. Pre-hospital emergency care in Brazil is divided into permanent and mobile services. Permanent care is provided by the pre-hospital network (basic health units, family health program, specialized clinics, diagnosis and therapy services, non-hospital emergency care units). The mobile medical services include: mobile emergency care service, fire department and private services. Emergency hospital care units (emergency departments) are classified into general and reference units. Details of these services are described.

Cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation outcome reports: update and simplification of the Utstein templates for resuscitation registries: a statement for healthcare professionals from a task force of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (American Heart Association, European Resuscitation Council, Australian Resuscitation Council, New Zealand Resuscitation Council, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, InterAmerican Heart Foundation, Resuscitation Councils of Southern Africa).

Outcome after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation is dependent on critical interventions, particularly early defibrillation, effective chest compressions, and advanced life support. Utstein-style definitions and reporting templates have been used extensively in published studies of cardiac arrest, which has led to greater understanding of the elements of resuscitation practice and progress toward international consensus on science and resuscitation guidelines. Despite the development of Utstein templates to standardize research reports of cardiac arrest, international registries have yet to be developed. In April 2002, a task force of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) met in Melbourne, Australia, to review worldwide experience with the Utstein definitions and reporting templates. The task force revised the core reporting template and definitions by consensus. Care was taken to build on previous definitions, changing data elements and operational definitions only on the basis of published data and experience derived from those registries that have used Utstein-style reporting. Attention was focused on decreasing the complexity of the existing templates and addressing logistical difficulties in collecting specific core and supplementary (ie, essential and desirable) data elements recommended by previous Utstein consensus conferences. Inconsistencies in terminology between in-hospital and out-of-hospital Utstein templates were also addressed. The task force produced a reporting tool for essential data that can be used for both quality improvement (registries) and research reports and that should be applicable to both adults and children. The revised and simplified template includes practical and succinct operational definitions. It is anticipated that the revised template will enable better and more accurate completion of all reports of cardiac arrest and resuscitation attempts. Problems with data definition, collection, linkage, confidentiality, management, and registry implementation are acknowledged and potential solutions offered. Uniform collection and tracking of registry data should enable better continuous quality improvement within every hospital, emergency medical services system, and community.

[Analysis of the intra-hospital attending of ventricular fibrilation/ventricular taquicardia simulated events]. / Análise do atendimento intra-hospitalar de eventos simulados de fibrilação ventricular/taquicardia ventricular.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the time intervals between the beginning of the Ventricular Fibrilation/Ventricular Taquicardia (VF/VT) and the main procedures made. METHODS: Twenty VF/VT simulations were performed and filmed in a hospital environment, using a static mannequin, on random days at random times. All teams had the same level of skills. The times (in sec.) related to basic life support (BLS) - arrival of the team (AT), confirmation of the arrest (CAT), beginning of the CPR (IT) and the times related to the advanced life support (ALS) - 1st defibrillation (DT), 1st dose of adrenalin (AT) and orotracheal intubation (OTIT). The variables were analyzed and compared in two groups: intensive care unit (ICU) and wards with telemetry (TLW). RESULTS: The results in both groups was in that order (GW x ICU ) - AT (70.2+38.7 x 38.6+49.2); CCA (89.4+57.1 x 71+63.9); SC (166.8+81.1 x 142+66.2); FD (282.5+142.8 x 108.4+52.5); FE (401.4+161.7 x 263.3+122.8) e OI (470.3+150.6 x 278.8+98.8). Shows the comparison of the average times between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The differences noted in relation to DT, AT and OTIT favorable to ICU are associated to the facility of performance of the ALS maneuvers in such environment. The BLS-related times were similar in both groups, which reinforce the need for the use of semi-automatic defibrillators, even in a hospital environment.