School children brief training to save foreign body airway obstruction.

Foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) is a relatively common emergency and a potential cause of sudden death both in children and older people; bystander immediate action will determine the victim's outcome. Although many school children's basic life support (BLS) training programs have been implemented in recent years, references to specific training on FBAO are lacking. Therefore, the aim was to assess FBAO-solving knowledge acquisition in 10-13-year-old school children. A quasi-experimental non-controlled simulation study was carried out on 564 ten-to-thirteen-year-old children from 5 schools in Galicia (Spain). Participants received a 60-min training led by their physical education teachers (5 min theory, 15 min demonstration by the teacher, and 30 min hands-on training) on how to help to solve an FBAO event. After the training session, the school children's skills were assessed in a standardized adult's progressive FBAO simulation scenario. The assessment was carried out by proficient researchers utilizing a comprehensive checklist specifically designed to address the variables involved in resolving a FBAO event according with current international guidelines. The assessment of school children's acquired knowledge during the simulated mild FBAO revealed that 62.2% of participants successfully identified the event and promptly encouraged the simulated patient to cough actively. When the obstruction progressed, its severity was recognized by 86.2% and back blows were administered, followed by abdominal thrusts by 90.4%. When the simulated victim became unconscious, 77.1% of children identified the situation and immediately called the emergency medical service and 81.1% initiated chest compressions. No significant differences in performance were detected according to participants' age.  Conclusion: A brief focused training contributes to prepare 10-13-year-old school children to perform the recommended FBAO steps in a standardized simulated patient. We consider that FBAO should be included in BLS training programs for school children. What is Known: • Kids Save Lives strategy states that school children should learn basic life support (BLS) skills because of their potential role as first responders. • This BLS training does not include content for resolving a foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO). What is New: • Following a 60-min theoretical-practical training led by physical education teachers, 10-13-year-old school children are able to solve a simulated FBAO situation. • The inclusion of FBAO content in BLS training in schools should be considered.

Dispatcher-assisted BLS for lay bystanders: A pilot study comparing video streaming via smart glasses and telephone instructions.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether dispatcher assistance via smart glasses improves bystander basic life support (BLS) performance compared with standard telephone assistance in a simulated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) scenario. METHODS: Pilot study in which 28 lay people randomly assigned to a smart glasses-video assistance (SG-VA) intervention group or a smartphone-audio assistance (SP-AA) control group received dispatcher guidance from a dispatcher to provide BLS in an OHCA simulation. SG-VA rescuers received assistance via a video call with smart glasses (Vuzix, Blade) connected to a wireless network, while SP-AA rescuers received instructions over a smartphone with the speaker function activated. BLS protocol steps, quality of chest compressions, and performance times were compared. RESULTS: Nine of the 14 SG-VA rescuers correctly completed the BLS protocol compared with none of the SP-AA rescuers (p = 0.01). A significantly higher number of SG-VA rescuers successfully opened the airway (13 vs. 5, p = 0.002), checked breathing (13 vs. 8, p = 0.03), correctly positioned the automatic external defibrillator pads (14 vs.6, p = 0.001), and warned bystanders to stay clear before delivering the shock (12 vs. 0, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed for performance times or chest compression quality. The mean compression rate was 104 compressions per minute in the SG-VA group and 98 compressions per minute in the SP-AA group (p = 0.46); mean depth of compression was 4.5 cm and 4.4 cm (p = 0.49), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Smart glasses could significantly improve dispatcher-assisted bystander performance in an OHCA event. Their potential in real-life situations should be evaluated.

Assessment of over-the-head resuscitation method in an inflatable rescue boat sailing at full speed. A non-inferiority pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Drowning is a public health problem. Interrupting the drowning process as soon as possible and starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can improve survival rates. Inflatable rescue boats (IRBs) are widely used worldwide to rescue drowning victims. Performing CPR in special circumstances requires adjusting the position based on the environment and space available. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of over-the-head resuscitation performed by rescuers aboard an IRB in comparison to standard CPR. METHODS: A quasi-experimental, quantitative, cross-sectional pilot study was conducted. Ten professional rescuers performed 1 min of simulated CPR on a QCPR Resuscy Anne manikin (Laerdal, Norway) sailing at 20 knots using two different techniques: 1) standard CPR (S-CPR) and 2) over-the-head CPR (OTH-CPR). Data were recorded through the APP QCPR Training (Laerdal, Norway). RESULTS: The quality of CPR was similar between S-CPR (61%) and OTH-CPR (66%), with no statistically significant differences (p = 0.585). Both the percentage of compressions and the percentage of correct ventilations did not show significant differences (p > 0.05) between the techniques. CONCLUSION: The rescuers can perform CPR maneuvers with acceptable quality in the IRB. The OTH-CPR technique did not show inferiority compared to S-CPR, making it a viable alternative when boat space or rescue conditions do not allow the conventional technique to be performed.

Can a voice assistant help bystanders save lives? A feasibility pilot study chatbot in beta version to assist OHCA bystanders.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluating the usefulness of a chat bot as an assistant during CPR care by laypersons. METHODS: Twenty-one university graduates and university students naive in basic life support participated in this quasi-experimental simulation pilot trial. A version beta chatbot was designed to guide potential bystanders who need help in caring for cardiac arrest victims. Through a Question-Answering (Q&A) flowchart, the chatbot uses Voice Recognition Techniques to transform the user's audio into text. After the transformation, it generates the answer to provide the necessary help through machine and deep learning algorithms. A simulation test with a Laerdal Little Anne manikin was performed. Participants initiated the chatbot, which guided them through the recognition of a cardiac arrest event. After recognizing the cardiac arrest, the chatbot indicated the start of chest compressions for 2 min. Evaluation of the cardiac arrest recognition sequence was done via a checklist and the quality of CPR was collected with the Laerdal Instructor App. RESULTS: 91% of participants were able to perform the entire sequence correctly. All participants checked the safety of the scene and made sure to call 112. 62% place their hands on the correct compression point. A media time of 158 s (IQR: 146-189) was needed for the whole process. 33% of participants achieved high-quality CPR with a median of 60% in QCPR (IQR: 9-86). Compression depth had a median of 42 mm (IQR: 33-53) and compression rate had a median of 100 compressions/min (IQR: 97-100). CONCLUSION: The use of a voice assistant could be useful for people with no previous training to perform de out-of-hospital cardiac arrest recognition sequence. Chatbot was able to guide all participants to call 112 and to perform continuous chest compressions. The first version of the chatbot for potential bystanders naive in basic life support needs to be further developed to reduce response times and be more effective in giving feedback on chest compressions.

Infant Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Quality While Walking Fast: A Simulation Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study focuses on the characteristics (feasibility, resuscitation quality, and physical demands) of infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the forearm during fast walking, performed by a trained lay rescuer. METHODS: Twenty-one university students from the infant education degree participated in a randomized crossover simulation study to compare a standard pediatric CPR versus a walking pediatric CPR with a manikin on the rescue forearm. Each rescuer performed 2 resuscitation tests of 2 minutes on the infant manikin. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, physiological, and perceived effort variables were measured. RESULTS: The quality of chest compressions was higher in standard pediatric CPR than in walking pediatric CPR (72% vs 51%; P < 0.001) and overall CPR quality (59% vs 49%; P = 0.02). There were no differences between ventilation quality (47% vs 46%). Walking pediatric CPR presented a higher percentage of maximum heart rate (52% vs 69%; P < 0.001) and perceived exertion rate (2 vs 5; P < 0.001). Participants walked an average of 197 m during the test. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, pediatric walking CPR is feasible although it represents a slight quality decrease in a simulation infant CPR setting. The option "CPR while walking fast to a safe place" seems to be suitable in terms of safety both for the victim and the rescuer, as well as CPR quality in special circumstances.

CPR by foot. An alternative in special circumstances? A randomized simulation study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the differences in the quality and self-perception of CPR performed with foot technique compared to the standard technique with the hands in nursing students. METHODS: 65 university nursing students participated in a randomized simulation crossover design study. The participants randomly performed two CPR tests: CPR by foot and CPR by hands techniques. The compression-only protocol with a 2-min test was used with the Resusci Anne QCPR® manikin and Wireless Skill Reporter® software, both from Laerdal. RESULTS: Participants had lower quality when doing CPR by foot (72%) than when doing standard CPR (91%) (p = 0.006). 95% of the participants indicated standard CPR as the technique of choice, while 92% indicated that they would use CPR by foot if it was not possible to perform standard technique. CONCLUSIONS: CPR quality was lower when performing foot technique, although with positive results. It would be advisable for people with acquired CPR skills to know that they can do foot compressions in situations where they cannot use their hands.

Measuring the physiological impact of extreme heat on lifeguards during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Randomized simulation study.

OBJECTIVE: Lifeguard teams carry out their work in extremely hot conditions in many parts of the world. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of high temperatures on physiological parameters during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). METHOD: A randomized quasi-experimental cross-over design was used to test physiological lifesaving demands (50 min acclimatization +10 min CPR) in two different thermal environments: Thermo-neutral environment (25 °C) vs Hyperthermic environment (37 °C). RESULTS: The data obtained from 21 lifeguards were included, this covers a total of 420 min of resuscitation. The CPR performance was constantly maintained during the 10 min. The Oxygen uptake (VO 2) ranged from 17 to 18 ml/min/kg for chest compressions (CC) and between 13 and 14 ml/min/kg for ventilations (V) at both 25 °C and 37 °C, with no significant difference between environments (p > 0.05). The percentage of maximum heart rate (%HR max) increased between 7% and 8% at 37 °C (p < 0.001), ranging between 75% and 82% of HR max. The loss of body fluids (LBF) was higher in the hyperthermic environment; LBF: (37 °C: 400 ± 187 g vs 25 °C: 148 ± 81 g, p < 0.001). Body temperature was 1 °C higher at the end of the test (p < 0.001). The perceived fatigue (RPE) increased by 37° an average of 2 points on a scale of 10 (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Extreme heat is not a limiting factor in CPR performance with two lifeguards. Metabolic consumption is sustained, with an increase in CC, so V can serve as active rest. Nevertheless, resuscitation at 37 °C results in a higher HR, is more exhausting and causes significant loss of fluids due to sweating.

Let the kids play: gamification as a CPR training methodology in secondary school students. A quasi-experimental manikin simulation study.

OBJECTIVE: Gamification is a non-evaluation and competition-based training methodology with high emotional involvement. The goal of this study was to evaluate gamification methodology as compared with other existing methodologies when teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to secondary school students. METHODS: 489 secondary school students from two high schools in Spain participated in this randomised-block quasi-experimental study in February 2018. The students were classified into different groups. Each group received CPR training with a different methodology: GAM (gamification-based training as a compulsory but non-tested academic activity to learn by playing in teams, with instructor and visual feedback); EVA (training based on subsequent evaluation as a motivational incentive, with instructor and visual feedback); VFC (visual feedback complementary, training based on a non-compulsory and non-tested academic activity, with instructor and visual feedback); TC (traditional complementary, training based on a non-compulsory and non-tested academic activity, with instructor feedback). After a week, each student performed a 2 min hands-only CPR test and quality of CPR was assessed. Visual feedback in training and CPR variables in test were provided by the QCPR Instructor App using a Little Anne manikin, both from Laerdal (Norway). RESULTS: GAM (89.56%; 95% CI 86.71 to 92.42) methodology resulted in significantly higher scores for CPR quality than VFC and TC (81.96%; 95% CI 78.04% to 85.88% and 64.11%; 95% CI 58.23 to 69.99). GAM (61.77%; 95% CI 56.09 to 67.45) methodology also resulted in significantly higher scores for correct rate than VFC and TC (48.41%; 95% CI 41.15% to 55.67% and 17.28%; 95% CI 10.94 to 23.62). 93.4% of GAM methodology participants obtained >50 mm of compression mean depth which was a significantly higher proportion than among students in VFC and TC (78.0% and 71.9%). No differences between GAM and EVA were found. A confidence level of 95% has been assigned to all values. CONCLUSIONS: GAM methodology resulted in higher CPR quality than non-tested methods of academic training with instructor feedback or visual feedback. Gamification should be considered as an alternative teaching method for Basic Life Support (BLS) in younger individuals.

Increasing ventilation in drowning resuscitation - A cross-over randomized simulation study of ventilation during automated external defibrillator analysis pauses.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility of a new resuscitation strategy in which breaths are provided during automated external defibrillator (AED) rhythm analysis, and to evaluate its impact on chest compressions (CC) quality and the peri-analysis time. Method: A randomized simulation study, comparing two cardiopulmonary resuscitations strategies, has been conducted: the standard strategy (S1) with strategy involving ventilation during AED analysis (S2). Thirty lifeguards have performed both strategies in a cross-over study design during 10 min of CPR. Results: The number of ventilations per 10 min increases from 47 (S1) to 72 (S2) (p < 0.001). This results in the delivery of an additional 17.1 L of insufflated air in S2 compared to S1 (p < 0.001). There have been no significant changes in frequency and total number of CC. These findings correspond to a reduction of the non-ventilation period from 176 s (S1) to 48 s (S2). Conclusions: This simulation study suggests that it is feasible to increase the number of ventilations during resuscitation following drowning, without affecting the quantity and quality of chest compressions. The results of this study may serve as a foundation for further investigation into optimal ventilation strategies in this context.

New communication tool for basic life support training: smart glasses. A quasi-experimental study.

AIM: To analyze the effectiveness of a teaching-learning methodology for teletraining in basic life support (BLS) based on communication through smart glasses. DESIGN: Pilot quasi-experimental non-inferiority study. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty college students. INTERVENTIONS: Randomization of the participants in: tele-training through smart glasses (SG) and traditional training (C) groups. Both training sessions were very brief (less than 8 min) and included the same BLS content. In SG, the instructor trained through a video call with smart glasses. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: The BLS protocol, the use of AED, the quality of resuscitation and the response times were evaluated. RESULTS: In most of the BLS protocol variables, the resuscitation quality and performance times, there were no statistically significant differences between groups. There were significant differences (in favor of the SG) in the assessment of breathing (SG: 100%, C: 81%; p = 0.013), the not-to-touch warning before applying the shock (SG: 79%, C: 52%; p = 0.025) and compressions with correct recoil (SG: 85%, C: 32%; p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Laypeople BLS-AED brief tele-training through smart glasses could potentially be, at least, as effective as traditional training methods. In addition, smart glasses could be more advantageous than traditional teaching for certain points of the BLS protocol and chest compressions quality, probably due to the capability of real-time visualization of images which supports the BLS sequence. Augmented reality supported teaching should be considered for BLS training, although caution is required in extrapolating findings, and further in-depth studies are needed to confirm its potential role depending on concrete target populations and environments.

Is the Over-the-Head Technique an Alternative for Infant CPR Performed by a Single Rescuer? A Randomized Simulation Study with Lifeguards.

(1) Objective: The objective was to evaluate the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR, chest compressions and ventilations) when performed by a lone first responder on an infant victim via the over-the-head technique (OTH) with bag-mask ventilation in comparison with the standard lateral technique (LAT) position. (2) Methods: A randomized simulation crossover study in a baby manikin was conducted. A total of 28 first responders performed each of the techniques in two separate CPR tests (15:2 chest compressions:ventilations ratio), each lasting 5 min with a 15 min resting period. Quality CPR parameters were assessed using an app connected to the manikin. Those variables were related to chest compressions (CC: depth, rate, and correct CC point) and ventilation (number of effective ventilations). Additional variables included perceptions of the ease of execution of CPR. (3) Results: The median global CPR quality (integrated CC + V) was 82% with OTH and 79% with LAT (p = 0.94), whilst the CC quality was 88% with OTH and 80% with LAT (p = 0.67), and ventilation quality was 85% with OTH and 85% with LAT (p = 0.98). Correct chest release was significantly better with OTH (OTH: 92% vs. LAT: 62%, p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in the remaining variables. Ease of execution perceptions favored the use of LAT over OTH. (4) Conclusions: Chest compressions and ventilations can be performed with similar quality in an infant manikin by lifeguards both with the standard recommended position (LAT) and the alternative OTH. This option could give some advantages in terms of optimal chest release between compressions. Our results should encourage the assessment of OTH in some selected cases and situations as when a lone rescuer is present and/or there are physical conditions that could impede the lateral rescue position.

Aquatic Feasibility of Limbs Application of Tourniquets (AFLAT) during a Lifeguard Water Rescue: A Simulation Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: Control of massive hemorrhage (MH) is a life-saving intervention. The use of tourniquets has been studied in prehospital and battlefield settings but not in aquatic environments. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research is to assess the control of MH in an aquatic environment by analyzing the usability of two tourniquet models with different adjustment mechanisms: windlass rod versus ratchet. METHODOLOGY: A pilot simulation study was conducted using a randomized crossover design to assess the control of MH resulting from an upper extremity arterial perforation in an aquatic setting. A sample of 24 trained lifeguards performed two randomized tests: one using a windlass-based Combat Application Tourniquet 7 Gen (T-CAT) and the other using a ratchet-based OMNA Marine Tourniquet (T-OMNA) specifically designed for aquatic use on a training arm for hemorrhage control. The tests were conducted after swimming an approximate distance of 100 meters and the tourniquets were applied while in the water. The following parameters were recorded: time of rescue (rescue phases and tourniquet application), perceived fatigue, and technical actions related to tourniquet skills. RESULTS: With the T-OMNA, 46% of the lifeguards successfully stopped the MH compared to 21% with the T-CAT (P = .015). The approach swim time was 135 seconds with the T-OMNA and 131 seconds with the T-CAT (P = .42). The total time (swim time plus tourniquet placement) was 174 seconds with the T-OMNA and 177 seconds with the T-CAT (P = .55). The adjustment time (from securing the Velcro to completing the manipulation of the windlass or ratchet) for the T-OMNA was faster than with the T-CAT (six seconds versus 19 seconds; P < .001; effect size [ES] = 0.83). The perceived fatigue was high, with a score of seven out of ten in both tests (P = .46). CONCLUSIONS: Lifeguards in this study demonstrated the ability to use both tourniquets during aquatic rescues under conditions of fatigue. The tourniquet with the ratcheting-fixation system controlled hemorrhage in less time than the windlass rod-based tourniquet, although achieving complete bleeding control had a low success rate.

Trained Lifeguards Performing Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation While Running: A Pilot Simulation Study.

The aim of this study was to compare the quality of standard infant CPR with CPR in motion (i.e., walking and running) via performing maneuvers and evacuating the infant from a beach. Thirteen trained lifeguards participated in a randomized crossover study. Each rescuer individually performed three tests of 2 min each. Five rescue breaths and cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by two breaths were performed. Mouth-to-mouth-and-nose ventilation was carried out, and chest compressions were performed using the two-fingers technique. The manikin was carried on the rescuer's forearm with the head in the distal position. The analysis variables included compression, ventilation, and CPR quality variables, as well as physiological and effort parameters. Significantly lower compression quality values were obtained in running CPR versus standard CPR (53% ± 14% versus 63% ± 15%; p = 0.045). No significant differences were observed in ventilation or CPR quality. In conclusion, lifeguards in good physical condition can perform simulated infant CPR of a similar quality to that of CPR carried out on a victim who is lying down in a fixed position.

Augmented reality training in basic life support with the help of smart glasses. A pilot study.

Introduction: Laypeople should be trained in basic life support and traditional and innovative methodologies may help to obtain this goal. However, there is a knowledge gap about the ideal basic life support training methods. Smart glasses could have a role facilitating laypeople learning of basic life support. Aim: To analyze the potential impact on basic life support learning of a very brief training supported by smart glasses video communication. Methods: Twelve laypeople were basic life support tele-trained by means of smart glasses by an instructor in this pilot study. During training (assisted trough smart glasses) and after the training (unassisted) participants' performance and quality of basic life support and automated external defibrillation procedure were assessed on a standardized simulated scenario. Results: After the training all participants were able to deliver good quality basic life support, with results comparable to those obtained when real time remotely guided by the instructor through the smart glasses. Mean chest compression rate was significantly higher when not guided (113 /min vs. 103 /min, p = 0.001). When not assisted, the participants spent less time delivering the sequential basic life support steps than when assisted while training. Conclusions: A very brief remote training supported by instructor and smart glasses seems to be an effective educational method that could facilitate basic life support learning by laypeople. This technology could be considered in cases where instructors are not locally available or in general in remote areas, providing basic internet connection is available. Smart glasses could also be useful for laypeople rolling-refreshers.

Are smart glasses feasible for dispatch prehospital assistance during on-boat cardiac arrest? A pilot simulation study with fishermen.

The aim of the study was to explore feasibility of basic life support (BLS) guided through smart glasses (SGs) when assisting fishermen bystanders. Twelve participants assisted a simulated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest on a fishing boat assisted by the dispatcher through the SGs. The SGs were connected to make video calls. Feasibility was assessed whether or not they needed help from the dispatcher. BLS-AED steps, time to first shock/compression, and CPR's quality (hands-only) during 2 consecutive minutes (1st minute without dispatcher feedback, 2nd with dispatcher feedback) were analyzed. Reliability was analyzed by comparing the assessment of variables performed by the dispatcher through SGs with those registered by an on-scene instructor. Assistance through SGs was needed in 72% of the BLS steps, which enabled all participants to perform the ABC approach and use AED correctly. Feasibility was proven that dispatcher's feedback through SGs helped to improve bystanders' performance, as after dispatcher gave feedback via SGs, only 3% of skills were incorrect. Comparison of on-scene instructor vs. SGs assessment by dispatcher differ in 8% of the analyzed skills: greatest difference in the "incorrect hand position during CPR" (on-scene: 33% vs. dispatcher: 0%). When comparing the 1st minute with 2nd minute, there were only significant differences in the percentage of compressions with correct depth (1st:48 ± 42%, 2nd:70 ± 31, p = 0.02). Using SGs in aquatic settings is feasible and improves BLS. CPR quality markers were similar with and without SG. These devices have great potential for communication between dispatchers and laypersons but need more development to be used in real emergencies.

Brief Training of Technical Bleeding Control Skills-A Pilot Study with Security Forces.

Uncontrolled external bleeding is a common cause of preventable death, and due to the environment in which these events often occur, e.g., in hostile environments, the state security forces are usually the first responders, and in many cases, if they are injured their partners provide the initial assistance. The tourniquet is a fast, effective, and easy-to-learn intervention, although there is a knowledge gap concerning training techniques. The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of a bleeding control training program on a high-fidelity mannequin in a simulated critical situation in a law enforcement training environment. A quasi-experimental study was carried out with 27 members of the state security forces. They underwent brief theoretical-practical training and were evaluated via a scenario involving a critically ill patient in a hostile environment. The results showed that no member of the state security forces completed all the tourniquet placement steps, 26 (96%) prepared the tourniquet correctly, 21 (77.8%) placed it on the leg, and all the participants adjusted the band to the thickness of the injured limb and secured the windlass to the triangular flange of the device. However, only 23 (85.2%) of the participants placed it effectively. The participants, who were members of the state security forces, were able to effectively resolve a critical situation with active bleeding in a simulation scenario with a high-fidelity mannequin after completing theoretical-practical training.

Clinical outcome prediction of acute neurological patients admitted to the emergency department: Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and modified SOFA score.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the ability of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (SOFA) and modified SOFA score (mSOFA) as predictive tools for 2-day and 28-day mortality and ICU admission in patients with acute neurological pathology treated in hospital emergency departments (EDs). Methods: An observational, prospective cohort study in adults with acute neurological disease transferred by ambulance to an ED was conducted from 1 January 2019 to 31 August 2022 in five hospitals in Castilla-León (Spain). Score discrimination was assessed by the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the score. Results: A total of 640 adult patients with neurological disease were included. For the prediction of 2-day mortality (all-cause), mSOFA presented a higher AUC than SOFA (mSOFA = 0.925 vs. SOFA = 0.902). This was not the case for 28-day mortality, for which SOFA was higher than mSOFA (mSOFA = 0.852 vs. SOFA = 0.875). Finally, ICU admission showed that SOFA was higher than mSOFA (mSOFA = 0.834 vs. SOFA = 0.845). Conclusion: Both mSOFA and SOFA presented similar predictive ability, with mSOFA being the best predictor for short-term mortality and SOFA being the best predictor for medium-term mortality, as well as for ICU admission. These results in a cohort of patients with acute neurological pathology pave the way for the use of both predictive tools in the ED. The inclusion of these tools could improve the clinical assessment and further treatment of neurological patients, who commonly present the worst outcomes.

Comparison of Nine Early Warning Scores for Identification of Short-Term Mortality in Acute Neurological Disease in Emergency Department.

(1) Background: The aim was screening the performance of nine Early Warning Scores (EWS), to identify patients at high-risk of premature impairment and to detect intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, as well as to track the 2-, 7-, 14-, and 28-day mortality in a cohort of patients diagnosed with an acute neurological condition. (2) Methods: We conducted a prospective, longitudinal, observational study, calculating the EWS [Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), National Early Warning Score (NEWS), VitalPAC Early Warning Score (ViEWS), Modified Rapid Emergency Medicine Score (MREMS), Early Warning Score (EWS), Hamilton Early Warning Score (HEWS), Standardised Early Warning Score (SEWS), WHO Prognostic Scored System (WPSS), and Rapid Acute Physiology Score (RAPS)] upon the arrival of patients to the emergency department. (3) Results: In all, 1160 patients were included: 808 patients were hospitalized, 199 cases (17%) required ICU care, and 6% of patients died (64 cases) within 2 days, which rose to 16% (183 cases) within 28 days. The highest area under the curve for predicting the need for ICU admissions was obtained by RAPS and MEWS. For predicting mortality, MREMS obtained the best scores for 2- and 28-day mortality. (4) Conclusions: This is the first study to explore whether several EWS accurately identify the risk of ICU admissions and mortality, at different time points, in patients with acute neurological disorders. Every score analyzed obtained good results, but it is suggested that the use of RAPS, MEWS, and MREMS should be preferred in the acute setting, for patients with neurological impairment.