The assessment of the kinematics of the rescuer in continuous chest compression during a 10-min simulation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

BACKGROUND: In pursuit of improvement in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), new technologies for the measurement and assessment of CPR quality are implemented. In our study, we assessed the kinematics of the rescuer during continuous chest compression (CCC-CPR). The proper performance of the procedure is a survival predictor for patients with cardiac arrest (CA). The purpose of the study was a prospective assessment of the kinematics of the rescuer's body with consideration given to the depth and rate of chest compression (CC) as the indicator of properly performed CC maneuver by professional and non-professional rescuers during a simulation of a 10-min CCC using a manikin. METHODS: Forty participants were enrolled in the study. CCC-CPR was performed in accordance with the 2015 AHA guidelines on a manikin positioned on the floor. Kinematic data on the movement were obtained from the measuring system (X-sens MVN Biomech) transmitting information from 17 inertial sensors. Measurement data were imported to the author's program RKO-Kinemat written in the Matlab and C # environments. Two groups of results were distinguished: Group I-results of CC with the depth of ≥ 40 mm and Group 2-CC results with the depth of < 40 mm. RESULTS: The multiple regression model demonstrated that the path length, left knee flexion angle, and left elbow flexion angle were the essential elements of the rescuer's kinematics that facilitated achieving and maintaining the normal depth of CC. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that raising the rescuer's hips by moving the center of the rescuer's body over the point of sternal compression increases the value of the CC force vector, thereby increasing the depth of CC. In addition, we observed that, during an effective CC, the rescuer was unable to maintain arms straight and, in consequence, a slight elbow flexion was observed. It, however, did not influence the quality of the maneuver.

Infratentorial ependymomas--a study of the centre in Katowice.

The aim of the study was to assess the correlation of the results of the treatment of infratentorial ependymomas with the degree of resection and histopathological diagnosis. The study was conducted on a group of 19 patients, 13 boys and 6 girls aged 3 months to 16 years, with infratentorial ependymoma treated at the Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice from January 2000 until December 2008. The most significant factor having an impact on overall survival and progression-free survival was totality of tumour resection. There has been no statistically significant influence of the histopathological type of ependymoma on the result of treatment. The tendency to report better results of treatment of non-anaplastic ependymoma seems to derive from a statistically higher frequency of total removal of tumours of this type.

[Diagnostic difficulties in rare causes of gastrointestinal bleeding]. / Trudnosci diagnostyczne w rzadkich przyczynach krwawienia z przewodu pokarmowego.

Peptic and duodenal ulcer and haemorrhagic gastritis are the most common causes of gastrointestinal bleeding. Pathologic changes of the small intestine are rare and difficult to diagnose. The aim of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic strategy regarding patients with gastrointestinal bleeding of obscure origin. From 1996 to 1999, 626 patients were treated for gastrointestinal bleeding. There were difficulties in finding the source of bleeding in three out of 626 patients. Endoscopy of the upper and the lower gastrointestinal tract, hydrosonography of the large intestine and gastrointestinal passage were performed in these three patients. The site of bleeding was not determined after the above mentioned medical examinations. Three patients underwent exploratory laparotomy, and two of them also intraoperative endoscopy of the small intestine. One patient had tumor of the small intestine, and pathologic examination revealed leiomyoma. One patient had Meckel's diverticulum with presence of ectopic gastric mucosa diagnosed. One patient had inflammatory infiltration in the distal ileum. The presence of chronic, non-specific inflammation was proved by histologic examination. In case of patients for whom it was difficult to determine the source of gastrointestinal bleeding the very reason for such a bleeding is often found in the small intestine. It frequently happens that laparotomy and intraoperative endoscopy of the small intestine allows making the diagnosis.

[Evaluation of the knowledge of teachers and high school students in Silesia on the principles of first aid]. / Ocena stanu wiedzy nauczycieli i uczniów szkól srednich województwa Slaskiego na temat zasad udzielania pierwszej pomocy.

Bystander CPR in first minutes after cardiac arrest appears to be a crucial component of the chain of survival. Failure of the circulation for 5-6 minutes will lead to irreversible cerebral damage and death. The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of knowledge about first aid among Polish society on the example of secondary school students and teachers. The study was conducted on students and teachers from Silesian voivodeship from November 2001 to March 2002. The study was based on a sample of 227 secondary school students (34 males and 193 females) and 79 secondary school teachers (28 males and 51 females). The anonymous survey evaluating the level of first aid knowledge was carried out. It consisted of general and particular part. 7 of surveyed students achieved an excellent result, 57 a good result and 163 represented inadequate level of knowledge. None of surveyed teachers achieved an excellent result, 11 achieved a good result and 63 represented inadequate level of knowledge. Higher level of knowledge was presented by those with a driving licence. The knowledge of secondary school students and teachers appears to be insufficient to perform basic life support. Education programs in secondary school should be initiated in terms of extending social safety.