[Basic life support]. / Basismaßnahmen zur Wiederbelebung Erwachsener (Basic Life Support): Leitlinien des European Resuscitation Council 2021.

The European Resuscitation Council has produced these basic life support guidelines, which are based on the 2020 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Science with Treatment Recommendations. The topics covered include cardiac arrest recognition, alerting emergency services, chest compressions, rescue breaths, automated external defibrillation (AED), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quality measurement, new technologies, safety, and foreign body airway obstruction.

Protocol C: a nonguidelines-compliant approach to improve survival of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To describe a resuscitation protocol for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest designed for healthcare professionals that demands more from rescuers than does conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It was introduced with the aim of improving survival that has remained disappointingly poor worldwide. RECENT FINDINGS: Survival to hospital discharge, that could be measured accurately in one city, improved appreciably with the use of the novel protocol. The implications are discussed in relation to the scientific background and relevant literature. SUMMARY: Uniform resuscitation protocols for lay and for professional use may not be appropriate. Only randomized trials can indicate the potential value of this challenge to conventional wisdom.

The recovery position for maintenance of adequate ventilation and the prevention of cardiac arrest: A systematic review.

Aim: To conduct a systematic review of the use of the recovery position in adults and children with non-traumatic decreased levels of responsiveness changes outcomes in comparison with other positioning strategies. Methods: We searched Medline (Ovid), Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, medRxiv and Google Scholar from inception to 15 March 2021 for studies involving adults and children in an out-of-hospital, first aid setting who had reduced levels of responsiveness of non-traumatic aetiology but did not require resuscitative interventions. We used the ROBINS-I tool to assess risk of bias and GRADE methodology to determine the certainty of evidence. Results: Of 17,947 citations retrieved, three prospective observational studies and four case series were included. The prone and semi-recumbent positions were associated with a decreased rate of suspected aspiration pneumonia in acute poisoning. Use of the recovery position in paediatric patients with decreased levels of responsiveness was associated with a deceased admission rate and the prone position was the position most commonly associated with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. High risk of bias, imprecision and indirectness of evidence limited our ability to perform pooled analyses. Conclusion: We identified a limited number of observational studies and case series comparing outcomes following use of the recovery position with outcomes when other patient positions were used. There was limited evidence to support or revise existing first aid guidance; however, greater emphasis on the initial assessment of responsiveness and need for CPR, as well as the detection and management of patient deterioration of a person identified with decreased responsiveness, is recommended.

European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021: First aid.

The European Resuscitation Council has produced these first aid guidelines, which are based on the 2020 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Science with Treatment Recommendations. The topics include the first aid management of emergency medicine and trauma. For medical emergencies the following content is covered: recovery position, optimal positioning for shock, bronchodilator administration for asthma, recognition of stroke, early aspirin for chest pain, second dose of adrenaline for anaphylaxis, management of hypoglycaemia, oral rehydration solutions for treating exertion-related dehydration, management of heat stroke by cooling, supplemental oxygen in acute stroke, and presyncope. For trauma related emergencies the following topics are covered: control of life-threatening bleeding, management of open chest wounds, cervical spine motion restriction and stabilisation, recognition of concussion, cooling of thermal burns, dental avulsion, compression wrap for closed extremity joint injuries, straightening an angulated fracture, and eye injury from chemical exposure.

European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021: Basic Life Support.

The European Resuscitation Council has produced these basic life support guidelines, which are based on the 2020 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Science with Treatment Recommendations. The topics covered include cardiac arrest recognition, alerting emergency services, chest compressions, rescue breaths, automated external defibrillation (AED), CPR quality measurement, new technologies, safety, and foreign body airway obstruction.

Data concerning the Copenhagen tool: A research tool for evaluation of basic life Support educational interventions.

The data presented in this article are supplementary data related to the research article entitled "The Copenhagen Tool: A research tool for evaluation of BLS educational interventions" (Jensen et al., 2019). We present the following supplementary materials and data: 1) a standardized scenario used to introduce the test for gathering data on internal structure and additional response process; 2) test sheets used for rating test participant via video recordings; 3) interview-guide for collecting additional response process data; 4) items deemed relevant but not essential for laypersons, first responders and health personnel in the modified Delphi consensus process; 5) inter-rater reliability values for raters using the essential items of the tool to evaluate test participants via video recordings; 6) main themes from coding interviews with raters; 7) comparison of rater results and manikin software output.

The Copenhagen Tool a research tool for evaluation of basic life support educational interventions.

INTRODUCTION: Over the past decades, major changes have been made in basic life support (BLS) guidelines and manikin technology. The aim of this study was to develop a BLS evaluation tool based on international expert consensus and contemporary validation to enable more valid comparison of research on BLS educational interventions. METHODS: A modern method for collecting validation evidence based on Messick's framework was used. The framework consists of five domains of evidence: content, response process, internal structure, relations with other variables, and consequences. The research tool was developed by collecting content evidence based on international consensus from an expert panel; a modified Delphi process decided items essential for the tool. Agreement was defined as identical ratings by 70% of the experts. RESULTS: The expert panel established consensus on a three-levelled score depending on expected response level: laypersons, first responders, and health care personnel. Three Delphi rounds with 13 experts resulted in 16 "essential" items for laypersons, 21 for first responders, and 22 for health care personnel. This, together with a checklist for planning and reporting educational interventional studies within BLS, serves as an example to be used for researchers. CONCLUSIONS: An expert panel agreed on a three-levelled score to assess BLS skills and the included items. Expert panel consensus concluded that the tool serves its purpose and can act to guide improved research comparison on BLS educational interventions.

2020 International Consensus on First Aid Science With Treatment Recommendations.

This is the summary publication of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation's 2020 International Consensus on First Aid Science With Treatment Recommendations. It addresses the most recent published evidence reviewed by the First Aid Task Force science experts. This summary addresses the topics of first aid methods of glucose administration for hypoglycemia; techniques for cooling of exertional hyperthermia and heatstroke; recognition of acute stroke; the use of supplementary oxygen in acute stroke; early or first aid use of aspirin for chest pain; control of life- threatening bleeding through the use of tourniquets, haemostatic dressings, direct pressure, or pressure devices; the use of a compression wrap for closed extremity joint injuries; and temporary storage of an avulsed tooth. Additional summaries of scoping reviews are presented for the use of a recovery position, recognition of a concussion, and 6 other first aid topics. The First Aid Task Force has assessed, discussed, and debated the certainty of evidence on the basis of Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria and present their consensus treatment recommendations with evidence-to-decision highlights and identified priority knowledge gaps for future research. The 2020 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) Science With Treatment Recommendations (CoSTR) is the fourth in a series of annual summary publications from the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). This 2020 CoSTR for first aid includes new topics addressed by systematic reviews performed within the past 12 months. It also includes updates of the first aid treatment recommendations published from 2010 through 2019 that are based on additional evidence evaluations and updates. As a result, this 2020 CoSTR for first aid represents the most comprehensive update since 2010.

A web-based micro-simulation program for self-learning BLS skills and the use of an AED. Can laypeople train themselves without a manikin?

AIM: Various methods, including self-instruction, have been used to try to improve the acquisition of basic life support skills. This is a preliminary report of the effectiveness of a web-based self-training program for BLS and the use of an AED. METHODS: Sixteen volunteers completed on-line training in their own time over a period of 8 weeks. The program included theory, scenario training and self-testing, but without practice on a manikin, or any instructor input. The volunteers were assessed, without prior warning, in a scenario setting. A recording manikin, expert assessors and video recording were used with a modified version of the Cardiff Test. RESULTS: All 16 volunteers performed the assessed skills in the use of an AED correctly. Most of the skills of BLS assessed were performed well. Chest compression depth and rate were performed less well (59% and 67% of participants, respectively, performed correctly). Opening the airway and lung inflation were performed poorly (38% and 13% of participants performed correctly), as was checking for safety (19% participants performed correctly). There was no significant correlation between the time a participant spent on-line and the quality of performance. Only 5 of the volunteers had ever attended a BLS course or used a resuscitation manikin before the assessment; their performance scores were not significantly better than those of the other 11 volunteers. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that it may be possible to train people in BLS and AED skills using a micro-simulation web-based interactive program but without any practice on a manikin. This seems to be particularly the case for the use of an AED, where performance achieved a uniformly high standard.

A preliminary feasibility study of a short DVD-based distance-learning package for basic life support.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that laypeople who learn CPR using an 8-min self-instructional DVD acquire a level of skill that is comparable to that achieved with conventional courses. METHODS: Forty volunteers used a short DVD with replay facility, and a simple inflatable training manikin, for self-instruction in basic life support. A further 40 volunteers (control group) attended a conventional 1-h instructor-led course. Skill acquisition was measured for each group. RESULTS: After training, the self-instructional group achieved remarkably similar results compared with the control group for all measured skill variables except compression depth, which was significantly greater for the control group. CONCLUSION: Very short, DVD-based, self-instructional packages may be suitable for more widespread use, including distance-learning and other circumstances in which educational opportunities and resources are limited.

2015 Revised Utstein-Style Recommended Guidelines for Uniform Reporting of Data From Drowning-Related Resuscitation: An ILCOR Advisory Statement.

BACKGROUND: Utstein-style guidelines use an established consensus process, endorsed by the international resuscitation community, to facilitate and structure resuscitation research and publication. The first "Guidelines for Uniform Reporting of Data From Drowning" were published over a decade ago. During the intervening years, resuscitation science has advanced considerably, thus making revision of the guidelines timely. In particular, measurement of cardiopulmonary resuscitation elements and neurological outcomes reporting have advanced substantially. The purpose of this report is to provide updated guidelines for reporting data from studies of resuscitation from drowning. METHODS: An international group with scientific expertise in the fields of drowning research, resuscitation research, emergency medical services, public health, and development of guidelines met in Potsdam, Germany, to determine the data that should be reported in scientific articles on the subject of resuscitation from drowning. At the Utstein-style meeting, participants discussed data elements in detail, defined the data, determined data priority, and decided how data should be reported, including scoring methods and category details. RESULTS: The template for reporting data from drowning research was revised extensively, with new emphasis on measurement of quality of resuscitation, neurological outcomes, and deletion of data that have proved to be less relevant or difficult to capture. CONCLUSIONS: The report describes the consensus process, rationale for selecting data elements to be reported, definitions and priority of data, and scoring methods. These guidelines are intended to improve the clarity of scientific communication and the comparability of scientific investigations.

2015 revised Utstein-style recommended guidelines for uniform reporting of data from drowning-related resuscitation: An ILCOR advisory statement.

BACKGROUND: Utstein-style guidelines use an established consensus process, endorsed by the international resuscitation community, to facilitate and structure resuscitation research and publication. The first "Guidelines for Uniform Reporting of Data From Drowning" were published over a decade ago. During the intervening years, resuscitation science has advanced considerably, thus making revision of the guidelines timely. In particular, measurement of cardiopulmonary resuscitation elements and neurological outcomes reporting have advanced substantially. The purpose of this report is to provide updated guidelines for reporting data from studies of resuscitation from drowning. METHODS: An international group with scientific expertise in the fields of drowning research, resuscitation research, emergency medical services, public health, and development of guidelines met in Potsdam, Germany, to determine the data that should be reported in scientific articles on the subject of resuscitation from drowning. At the Utstein-style meeting, participants discussed data elements in detail, defined the data, determined data priority, and decided how data should be reported, including scoring methods and category details. RESULTS: The template for reporting data from drowning research was revised extensively, with new emphasis on measurement of quality of resuscitation, neurological outcomes, and deletion of data that have proved to be less relevant or difficult to capture. CONCLUSIONS: The report describes the consensus process, rationale for selecting data elements to be reported, definitions and priority of data, and scoring methods. These guidelines are intended to improve the clarity of scientific communication and the comparability of scientific investigations.

A reference basic life support provider course for Europe.

BACKGROUND: Good scientific evidence is scarce in relation to the effectiveness of different methods of teaching basic life support (BLS) to the general public. In order to test new courses or methods a reference course is needed as a comparative standard. OBJECTIVE: To propose a reference BLS provider course that can be used as a comparator when testing new courses or teaching methods. METHODS: All national resuscitation councils that are represented in the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) were sent a questionnaire about the BLS provider courses run by them or under their auspices. RESULTS: Sixteen national resuscitation councils responded to the enquiry. Their responses regarding organisation, structure, content and methods of the courses were found to be remarkably consistent between European countries. Few issues had a high variance. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the responses received, a reference BLS provider course for lay persons is suggested as a tool for research. The course duration is 3 h 15 min (excluding breaks), with 2 h 15 min practice time for the participants, 30 min for theory and 20 min for practical demonstrations by the instructor. A manual is distributed at the start of the course. The ratio of instructors to participants is one to six. The lectures are interactive between the instructor and the participants. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is practised on manikins in groups of six. A formal BLS scenario test may be held at the end of the course as part of a research study or if the candidates so request. It is suggested that by using this reference course during research into lay person BLS teaching, it will be easier to make comparisons between different studies.

A reference automated external defibrillator provider course for Europe.

BACKGROUND: Scientific evidence is scarce in relation to the effectiveness of different methods of teaching automated external defibrillator (AED) use to laypeople. A reference course is needed in order to test new courses or methods against a comparative standard. OBJECTIVE: To propose a reference AED provider course that can be used as a comparator when testing new courses or teaching methods. METHODS: All national resuscitation councils that are represented in the European Resuscitation Council were sent a questionnaire about the AED provider courses run by them or under their auspices. RESULTS: Sixteen national resuscitation councils responded to the enquiry. Apart from the individual course timetables, there was remarkable consistency amongst the European countries as regards organisation, structure, content and methods. CONCLUSIONS: A reference AED provider course for laypeople, based on a synthesis of existing European courses, is suggested as a tool for research. Prior completion of a basic life support provider course is mandatory. Course duration is 2 h 45 min (excluding breaks), with 1 h 40 min practice time for the participants, 25 min for theory, 20 min for practical demonstrations by the instructor and 20 min for introduction, discussion and closure. A manual is distributed at the start of the course. The ratio of instructors to participants is one to six. Lectures are interactive between the instructor and the class. AED use is practised in groups of six participants. Participants prove their competency by means of a formal test that simulates a cardiac arrest scenario. Using this course as a comparator during research into the methodology of AED teaching would provide a reference against which other courses could be tested.

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.

Teaching hand placement for chest compression--a simpler technique.

BACKGROUND: Simplification of the techniques and teaching of resuscitation are advocated as ways of improving skill acquisition and retention. A simple method for teaching hand placement for chest compression has been described but not validated. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine if instructing trainees simply to place their hands in the centre of the chest results in better initial and retained accuracy of hand placement than the usual method of first identifying anatomical landmarks. METHODS: Volunteers received instruction in basic CPR, being taught hand placement either by the standard method (33 subjects) or the simplified method (32 subjects). They were tested for accuracy of hand position before training, immediately afterwards and 6 weeks later. RESULTS: After training both groups showed an improvement in accuracy of hand placement but there was no significant difference in the degree of improvement between the groups (P=0.345), nor in the level of accuracy achieved (P=0.178). Six weeks after training, the Standard Group demonstrated a statistically significant deterioration in accuracy (P=0.001), whereas the Simple Group did not (P=0.561). By this time, however, there was no longer any difference in accuracy of hand placement for either group compared with before training (Standard Group P=0.912; Simple Group P=0.140). On the positive side, the Simple Group took significantly less time (2.90 s) than the Standard Group (4.43 s) to change from ventilation to chest compression (P=0.000003). CONCLUSIONS: Simplifying the teaching of correct hand placement for chest compression does not appear to lead to improvement in acquisition or retention of the skill. However, it does result in a significant reduction in the length of the pauses between ventilation and chest compression.