Ultrasound-guided puncture vs conventional technique for arterial blood gas analysis sampling in adults: A systematic review.

AIM: To compare the efficacy of conventional puncture versus ultrasound-guided puncture for arterial blood gas sampling in adults. METHOD: A search protocol was developed and applied to three databases (Medline, Cochrane, and Dialnet). Clinical trials published between January 2013 and January 2023, in Spanish or English, were considered. Outcomes in terms of first-attempt success, number of attempts until success, time taken, self-reported iatrogenic pain, and patient or professional experience were collected. The risk of bias for each included study was assessed. RESULTS: Five randomized clinical trials were selected, with sample sizes ranging from 50 to 238 adult patients treated in emergency settings. Three out of four studies showed higher first-attempt success rates when using ultrasound, and 2 out of 4 studies reported a decrease in iatrogenic pain. Discrepant findings were observed among the studies in terms of time taken and the number of attempts required for success. CONCLUSIONS: Although current evidence is limited and the findings are heterogeneous, ultrasound-guided arterial puncture may have advantages over conventional puncture in terms of first-attempt success and in reducing iatrogenic pain.

[Differences between Spain's autonomous communities in the availability of semi-automatic external defibrillators outside the healthcare setting]. / Diferencias entre comunidades autónomas de España en la dotación de desfibriladores externos semiautomáticos fuera del ámbito sanitario.

BACKGROUND: Early defibrillation is one of the interventions that can most influence the prognosis of cardiac arrest. The objectives of this study were to determine the number of automatic external defibrillators outside the healthcare setting in each autonomous community in Spain and to compare the legislation of each autonomous community on the mandatory installation of defibrillators outside the healthcare setting. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out between December 2021 and January 2022 by consulting official data in the 17 Spanish autonomous communities. RESULTS: Complete data on the number of registered defibrillators were obtained from 15 autonomous communities. The number of defibrillators ranged from 35 to 126 per 100,000 inhabitants. At the global level, differences were observed between communities with mandatory defibrillator installation and those without (92.1 vs. 57.8 defibrillators/100,000 inhabitants). CONCLUSIONS: There is heterogeneity in the provision of defibrillators outside the health care setting, which seems to be related to the diversity of legislation on the mandatory installation of defibrillators.

Rescuers' characteristics associated with the correct chest compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

AIM: To analyse the caregivers' physical, anthropometrical and educational characteristics associated with adequate chest compression and full chest recoil during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). METHODS: An observational prospective research study was conducted. Emergency and critical care health professionals and students performed two minutes of chest compressions on a dummy. Depth and residual leaning after the compressions were assessed and their association with several variables (physical, anthropometrical, and educational) was analysed using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-eight volunteers participated. Previous experience of the rescuer in less than six CPRs (OR = 3.03; 95% CI 1.2-7.63) was related to a higher probability of not achieving an adequate depth of compressions. Greater height (OR: .93; 95% CI .87-.99) and grip strength (OR: .94; 95% CI .89-.99) were associated with correct performance of chest compression. We did not find any characteristic related to chest recoil. CONCLUSIONS: The caregiver's previous experience with CPR was the strongest factor associated with adequate performance of chest compressions. To a lesser extent, the professional's height and upper body muscle strength also have an influence. No factors associated with the adequacy of full chest recoil were identified.

Identification of potentially irritating intravenous medications.

AIMS: To identify commonly used intravenous drugs that may produce endothelial damage. METHODS: An experimental research study was performed using a sample of 62 intravenous drugs commonly used in emergency care, pH and osmolarity were measured. Subsequently, based on these values, the theoretical capacity to cause irritation or endovascular damage was determined and classified as high, moderate, and low. RESULTS: Samples from 19 drugs for fluid therapy, 21 antibiotics and 22 drugs for intravenous use were studied. Glucose solutions, sodium bicarbonate 1M and mannitol 10% showed a high capacity to cause venous irritation. Vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, amiodarone, haloperidol, and labetalol solution presented a high capacity for irritation based on their acidic pH. The antibiotics, dexketoprofen, diazepam, digoxin, etomidate, phenytoin, levetiracetam and metamizole also showed high osmotic values in their reconstituted or undiluted presentations. Moreover, osmolarity of diazepam, digoxin and phenytoin remained high despite being diluted in 100 ml of saline. CONCLUSIONS: Knowing the pH and osmolarity of intravenous drugs allows their capacity to cause endothelial damage to be assessed. The use of comprehensive tables based on the chemical properties of the drugs can be a useful tool to help prevent chemically-induced phlebitis.

[Unnecessary peripheral venous catheters in ambulatory emergency care].

The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of unnecessary peripheral venous catheter (PVC) cannulation in adult patients attended in Ambulatory Emergency Care, and to analyse potential associated factors. An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital for two consecutive months. The proportion of canulated and unused PVC was calculated and related to patient variables. A PVC was cannulated in 701 patients. In 103 cases (14.7%; 95%CI: 12.1-17.3) the catheter was not used, and the patients were discharged directly home. Age over 64 was associated with a higher proportion of unsuitability (19.3% vs. 10.8%; p=0.002). There seems to be a certain proportion of catheters cannulated unnecessarily in Ambulatory Emergency Care, which would justify the implementation of good practice programmes in the assessment and selection of vascular accesses.

Características de los reanimadores asociadas a la correcta compresión torácica durante la reanimación cardiopulmonar / Rescuers’ characteristics associated with the correct chest compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Objetivos: Analizar las características físicas, antropométricas y formativas de los reanimadores asociadas a la correcta compresión y reexpansión torácica durante la reanimación cardiopulmonar. Metodología: Estudio observacional prospectivo. Profesionales y estudiantes sanitarios de urgencias y cuidados críticos realizaron 2min de compresiones torácicas sobre un maniquí. Se evaluó la profundidad y la presión residual tras las compresiones, y se estudió su asociación a diferentes variables (físicas, antropométricas y formativas) mediante la creación de modelos de regresión logística. Resultados: Participaron 238 voluntarios. Que el reanimador tuviese una experiencia previa en menos de 6 reanimaciones cardiopulmonares (OR: 3,03; IC 95%: 1,2-7,63) se asoció a una mayor probabilidad de no lograr una profundidad adecuada en las compresiones. Una mayor estatura (OR: 0,93; IC 95%: 0,87-0,99) y fuerza de aprehensión (OR: 0,94; IC 95%: 0,89-0,99) fueron condiciones que actuaron como factores predisponentes a la ejecución de una técnica correcta. Ninguna característica se asoció a la adecuación de la reexpansión torácica. Conclusiones: La experiencia previa del reanimador es el factor más fuertemente asociado a la correcta ejecución de las compresiones torácicas. En menor medida, también influye la estatura y la fuerza del tren superior del profesional. No se han identificado factores asociados a la adecuación de la reexpansión torácica tras las compresiones.(AU)

Aim: To analyse the caregivers’ physical, anthropometrical and educational characteristics associated with adequate chest compression and full chest recoil during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Methods: An observational prospective research study was conducted. Emergency and critical care health professionals and students performed two minutes of chest compressions on a dummy. Depth and residual leaning after the compressions were assessed and their association with several variables (physical, anthropometrical, and educational) was analysed using logistic regression models. Results: Two hundred thirty-eight volunteers participated. Previous experience of the rescuer in less than six CPRs (OR: 3.03; CI 95%: 1.2-7.63) was related to a higher probability of not achieving an adequate depth of compressions. Greater height (OR: .93; 95% CI: .87-.99) and grip strength (OR: .94; 95% CI: .89-.99) were associated with correct performance of chest compression. We did not find any characteristic related to chest recoil. Conclusions: The caregiver's previous experience with CPR was the strongest factor associated with adequate performance of chest compressions. To a lesser extent, the professional's height and upper body muscle strength also have an influence. No factors associated with the adequacy of full chest recoil were identified.(AU)

Identificación de medicamentos intravenosos potencialmente irritantes / Identification of potentially irritating intravenous medications

Objetivos: Identificar los medicamentos intravenosos de uso común en el ámbito hospitalario con capacidad de producir daño endotelial. Método: Estudio experimental in vitro. La muestra estuvo formada por 62 medicamentos de uso común en los servicios de urgencias y hospitalización. Las variables estudiadas fueron la osmolaridad y el pH. Posteriormente, en base a esos valores, se determinó la capacidad teórica para provocar daño endotelial, clasificándola en alta, moderada y baja. Resultados: Se analizaron 19 medicamentos para fluidoterapia, 21 antibióticos y 22 medicamentos intravenosos. Las soluciones de glucosa, el bicarbonato 1M y el manitol 10% presentaron una capacidad elevada para provocar irritación venosa. Vancomicina, ciprofloxacino, amiodarona, haloperidol y labetalol mostraron una capacidad irritativa elevada derivada de su pH marcadamente ácido. Los antibióticos, dexketoprofeno, diazepam, digoxina, etomidato, fenitoína, levetiracetam y metamizol presentaron valores extremos de osmolaridad en su presentación reconstituida o sin diluir, y mantuvieron sus valores de tonicidad elevados después de diluirlos en 100ml de suero salino el diazepam, la digoxina y la fenitoína. Conclusiones: Conocer el pH y la osmolaridad de los medicamentos intravenosos permite evaluar su capacidad para provocar daño endotelial. La creación de tablas comprensivas en base a las propiedades químicas de los medicamentos puede constituir una herramienta útil que contribuya a prevenir la flebitis químicamente inducida.(AU)

Aims: To identify commonly used intravenous drugs that may produce endothelial damage. Methods: An experimental research study was performed using a sample of 62 intravenous drugs commonly used in emergency care, pH and osmolarity were measured. Subsequently, based on these values, the theoretical capacity to cause irritation or endovascular damage was determined and classified as high, moderate, and low. Results: Samples from 19 drugs for fluid therapy, 21 antibiotics and 22 drugs for intravenous use were studied. Glucose solutions, sodium bicarbonate 1M and mannitol 10% showed a high capacity to cause venous irritation. Vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, amiodarone, haloperidol, and labetalol solution presented a high capacity for irritation based on their acidic pH. The antibiotics, dexketoprofen, diazepam, digoxin, etomidate, phenytoin, levetiracetam and metamizole also showed high osmotic values in their reconstituted or undiluted presentations. Moreover, osmolarity of diazepam, digoxin and phenytoin remained high despite being diluted in 100mL of saline. Conclusions: Knowing the pH and osmolarity of intravenous drugs allows their capacity to cause endothelial damage to be assessed. The use of comprehensive tables based on the chemical properties of the drugs can be a useful tool to help prevent chemically-induced phlebitis.(AU)

Catéteres venosos periféricos innecesarios en la zona ambulatoria de un servicio de urgencias / Unnecessary peripheral venous catheters in ambulatory emergency care

El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la frecuencia de canalización innecesaria de catéteres venosos periféricos (CVP) en pacientes adultos atendidos en la zona ambulatoria del servicio de urgencias, y analizar potenciales factores asociados.Se realizó un estudio transversal exploratorio en un hospital de tercer nivel durante dos meses consecutivos. Se calculó la proporción de CVP insertados y no utilizados, y se relacionó con variables del paciente.A 701 pacientes se les insertó un CVP, en 103 (14,7%; IC95%: 12,1-17,3) el catéter no llegó a ser utilizado, siendo dados de alta directamente a domicilio. La edad superior a 64 años se asoció a una mayor tasa de inadecuación (19,3 vs 10,8%; p=0,002).Parece existir cierta proporción de catéteres canalizados de forma innecesaria en el área ambulatoria urgencias, lo que justificaría la implantación de programas de buenas prácticas en la valoración y selección de accesos vasculares.(AU)

The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of unnecessary peripheral venous catheter (PVC) cannulation in adult patients attended in Ambulatory Emergency Care, and to analyse potential associated factors. An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital for two consecutive months. The proportion of canulated and unused PVC was calculated and related to patient variables. A PVC was cannulated in 701 patients. In 103 cases (14.7%; 95%CI: 12.1-17.3) the catheter was not used, and the patients were discharged directly home. Age over 64 was associated with a higher proportion of unsuitability (19.3% vs. 10.8%; p=0.002). There seems to be a certain proportion of catheters cannulated unnecessarily in Ambulatory Emergency Care, which would justify the implementation of good practice programmes in the assessment and selection of vascular accesses.(AU)

Rescuers' characteristics associated with the correct chest compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. / Características de los reanimadores asociadas a la correcta compresión torácica durante la reanimación cardiopulmonar.

AIM: To analyse the caregivers' physical, anthropometrical and educational characteristics associated with adequate chest compression and full chest recoil during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). METHODS: An observational prospective research study was conducted. Emergency and critical care health professionals and students performed two minutes of chest compressions on a dummy. Depth and residual leaning after the compressions were assessed and their association with several variables (physical, anthropometrical, and educational) was analysed using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-eight volunteers participated. Previous experience of the rescuer in less than six CPRs (OR: 3.03; CI 95%: 1.2-7.63) was related to a higher probability of not achieving an adequate depth of compressions. Greater height (OR: .93; 95% CI: .87-.99) and grip strength (OR: .94; 95% CI: .89-.99) were associated with correct performance of chest compression. We did not find any characteristic related to chest recoil. CONCLUSIONS: The caregiver's previous experience with CPR was the strongest factor associated with adequate performance of chest compressions. To a lesser extent, the professional's height and upper body muscle strength also have an influence. No factors associated with the adequacy of full chest recoil were identified.

Características epidemiológicas y factores asociados a la parada cardiorrespiratoria extrahospitalaria atendida por espectadores antes de la llegada del primer recurso asistencial / Epidemiological characteristics and factors associated with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest attended by bystanders before ambulance arrival

Fundamento:. Comparar las características epidemiológicas de las paradas cardiacas extrahospitalarias enfunción de si fueron o no atendidas por espectadoresantes de la llegada de la ambulancia y describir los factores asociados a la reanimación por testigos. Metodología: Estudio observacional retrospectivo sobre los casos de parada cardiorrespiratoria extrahospitalaria ocurridos en el País Vasco durante cinco años.Se determinaron diferencias epidemiológicas de los casos en función de si la reanimación cardiopulmonar fueiniciada por espectadores. La relación entre la variabledependiente no se inicia reanimación por testigos y distintos factores de exposición se analizó con regresiónlogística multivariable. Resultados: Se revisaron 3278 eventos; en el 61,9 % delos casos no se practicó reanimación por testigos o espectadores y se asoció a inexistencia de instruccionestelefónicas (OR: 6,25; IC95 %: 5,15-7,58; p < 0,001), localización del evento en el domicilio (OR: 2,94; IC95 %: 2,48-3,48; p < 0,001), evento no presenciado (OR: 1,56; IC95 %:1,28-1,89; p < 0,001), víctima con edad superior a 64 años(OR: 1,48; IC95 %: 1,26-1,74; p < 0,001) y ámbito urbano(OR: 1,29; IC95 %: 1,04-1,62; p = 0,023). Conclusiones: Existen diferencias en las paradas cardiacas en función de si han sido o no reanimadas porespectadores y estas características podrían condicionar la decisión del rescatador al respecto de iniciar lareanimación y la evolución de la misma.(AU)

Background: The aim of this study is to analyze thecharacteristics of out of hospital cardiac arrests basedon whether patients received bystander resuscitationbefore ambulance arrival, and to describe the factorsassociated with resuscitation attempts by bystanders. Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed. Clinical data from cardiac arrest patients in theBasque Country (Spain) were collected over a periodof five years. Epidemiological characteristics comparedresuscitation started by bystanders with resuscitationcarried out by ambulance caregivers. The relation between no resuscitation started by bystander and different exposure factors was explored by multiple logisticregression analysis. Results: We analyzed 3,278 cardiac arrests. Of them,61.9 % were not attended by bystanders and this wasassociated with the absence of instructions from Emergency Centre (OR: 6.25, 95 % CI: 5.15-7.58, p < 0.001),home location (OR: 2.94, 95 %CI: 2.48-3.48, p < 0.001),unwitnessed cardiac arrest (OR: 1.56, 95 %CI 1.28-1.89,p < 0.001), victims of 65 years or older (OR: 1.48, 95 %CI:1.26-1.74, p < 0.001) and suburban locations (OR: 1.29,95 %CI: 1.04-1.62, p = 0.023). Conclusion: There are differences in cardiac arrestsdepending on whether they have been resuscitated bybystanders. These characteristics may influence thebystander’s decision to initiate resuscitation maneuvers (or not) and evolution.(AU)

Epidemiological characteristics and factors associated with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest attended by bystanders before ambulance arrival.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to analyze the characteristics of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests based on whether patients received bystander resuscitation before ambulance arrival, and to describe the factors associated with resuscita-tion attempts by bystanders. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was performed. Clinical data from cardiac arrest patients in the Basque Country (Spain) were collected over a period of five years. Epidemiological characteristics compared resuscitation started by bystanders with resuscitation carried out by ambulance caregivers. The relation between no resuscitation started by bystander and different exposure factors was explored by multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: We analyzed 3,278 cardiac arrests. Of them, 61.9?% were not attended by bystanders and this was associated with the absence of instructions from Emergency Centre (OR: 6.25, 95%CI: 5.15-7.58, p?

[Analysis of dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation instructions to laypersons in an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest].

Randomized simulation trial to analyze dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation instructions provided from the emergency call center in an out-of-hospital heart arrest assisted by lay persons. An analysis of the telephone instructions was performed using a 14-item checklist by two external researchers. Simulations lasted nine minutes. Twenty-one volunteers were enrolled. All of them started resuscitation maneuvers. Telephone instructions were verbalized in very heterogeneous ways. Half of the indicators exceeded 90% compliance. Frequently the recommendation of push hard and fast on the patient's chest was omitted and the dispatcher tended to mark a slower compression rate. The average time from the call to the start of the resuscitation was 3 min 33 s (SD: 1 min 7 s). The telephone instructions were verbalized in a very heterogeneous way. It is necessary to standardize and provide training in how to guide a dispatcher-assisted resuscitation.

[Sleep quality and adaptation to shift-work among ambulance staff in the Basque Country].

BACKGROUND: To explore the extent to which the shift-workers of emergency ambulances maintain an adequate sleep quality and adaptation to shift-work, and its relationship to personal, circadian rhythm, and work-related factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on a sample of 180 technicians and nurses from the Emergency Medical Service of the Basque Country (18-60 years old) who were surveyed. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Adaptation to Shift-Work Scale (ASW), the Circadian Type Questionnaire (CTQ) and the Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM) for evaluating chronotype, were administered. RESULTS: Fifty-two percent of the staff presented an intermediate adaptation and 30% reported a good adaptation. A progressive deterioration of sleep quality across the shifts (52% were bad sleepers during days-off, 63% after day-shifts and 90% after night-shifts) was related to a poorer level of adaptation to shift-work. A predictive model of adaptability was obtained based on the baseline level of sleep quality during the days-off and the V factor. The R factor moderated this interaction positively or negatively depending on sleep quality. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high presence of sleep disorders among the technicians and nurses of emergency ambulances as the main symptom of maladjustment to shift-work. Sleeping habits can cushion the impact of difficulties in resting and favor a better adaptation to shifts, introducing key-factors at the level of formation, prevention and intervention.

Calidad del sueño y adaptación a los turnos rotatorios en trabajadores de ambulancias de emergencias del País Vasco / Sleep quality and adaptation to shift-work among ambulance staff in the Basque Country

FUNDAMENTO: Explorar la calidad del sueño y la adaptación a la turnicidad del personal de ambulancias de urgencias y su relación con factores sociodemográficos, circadianos y laborales. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal sobre 180 técnicos y enfermeros (18-60 años) de la Red de Transporte Sanitario Urgente del País Vasco realizado mediante encuestas. Se emplearon el Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) para evaluar la calidad del sueño, la Escala de Adaptación al Turno de Trabajo (ATT), el Circadian Type Questionnaire (CTQ) de hábitos de sueño, y la Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM) para valorar el cronotipo. RESULTADOS: El 52% presentó una adaptación intermedia y el 30% buena. El progresivo deterioro de la calidad del sueño a lo largo de la turnicidad (pobre calidad durante los días libres en el 52% de trabajadores, 63% tras turnos de día y 90% tras turnos de noche) se relacionó con una peor adaptación. Se obtuvo un modelo predictivo de la adaptabilidad partiendo del nivel basal de calidad del sueño durante los días libres y la vigorosidad para vencer la somnolencia. El factor rigidez de hábitos de sueño moderó positiva o negativamente esta interacción en función de la buena o mala calidad del sueño. CONCLUSIONES: Las alteraciones del sueño son frecuentes entre el personal de ambulancias de urgencias, como principal síntoma de desadaptación a los turnos inherentes a su actividad. Los hábitos de sueño parecen amortiguar el impacto de las dificultades del descanso y favorecer la adaptación a los turnos, aportando factores claves a nivel de formación, prevención e intervención

BACKGROUND: To explore the extent to which the shift-workers of emergency ambulances maintain an adequate sleep quality and adaptation to shift-work, and its relationship to personal, circadian rhythm, and work-related factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on a sample of 180 technicians and nurses from the Emergency Medical Service of the Basque Country (18-60 years old) who were surveyed. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Adaptation to Shift-Work Scale (ASW), the Circadian Type Questionnaire (CTQ) and the Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM) for evaluating chronotype, were administered. RESULTS: Fifty-two percent of the staff presented an intermediate adaptation and 30% reported a good adaptation. A progressive deterioration of sleep quality across the shifts (52% were bad sleepers during days-off, 63% after day-shifts and 90% after night-shifts) was related to a poorer level of adaptation to shift-work. A predictive model of adaptability was obtained based on the baseline level of sleep quality during the days-off and the V factor. The R factor moderated this interaction positively or negatively depending on sleep quality. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high presence of sleep disorders among the technicians and nurses of emergency ambulances as the main symptom of maladjustment to shift-work. Sleeping habits can cushion the impact of difficulties in resting and favor a better adaptation to shifts, introducing key-factors at the level of formation, prevention and intervention

Contaminación microbiológica en humidificadores de sistemas de oxigenoterapia de alto y bajo flujo: una revisión sistemática / Microbiological contamination in high and low flow oxygen humidifiers: A systematic review

Objetivo: Determinar el riesgo de contaminación microbiológica de los humidificadores de burbujeo para oxigenoterapia de alto o bajo flujo de uso hospitalario. Métodos: Revisión sistemática de la literatura a través de 6 bases de datos bibliográficas. Se seleccionaron estudios observacionales o experimentales publicados entre 1990 y 2016, en inglés o español, que analizaban la contaminación microbiana de los humidificadores de burbujeo de los dispositivos de oxigenoterapia hospitalaria de alto y bajo flujo. Resultados: Se incluyeron 12 artículos: 4 analizaron el agua de humidificadores reutilizables, 4 de desechables y otros 4 compararon muestras procedentes de ambos modelos. Se observó la presencia de contaminación microbiana en todos los estudios que evaluaron humidificadores reutilizables (generalmente bacterias habituales de la flora cutánea). En 2 de ellos se notificaron aislamientos de especies potencialmente patogénicas. No se aisló contaminación microbiana en las muestras procedentes de modelos desechables, independientemente de si fueron utilizados por un único paciente o por varios de forma consecutiva a lo largo del tiempo. Conclusión: Parece existir bajo riesgo de contaminación en humidificadores desechables durante las primeras semanas de uso, pudiendo reutilizarse entre pacientes distintos sin riesgo de contaminación cruzada. Por otro lado, cabe destacar que la manipulación de los humidificadores reutilizables de forma no aséptica puede aumentar la probabilidad de contaminación, por lo que la sustitución de humidificadores reutilizables por modelos desechables podría ser la opción más segura

Aim: To determine the risk of microbiological contamination with hospital use high- and low-flow bubbling humidifiers. Methods: A systematic literature review was carried out in 6 databases. Observational or experimental studies published between 1990 and 2016 were selected, written in English or Spanish, and in which microbiological contamination with hospital use high- and low-flow bubbling humidifiers was investigated. Results: A total of 12 articles were included: 4 analyzed the water from reusable humidifiers, 4 analyzed the water from prefilled system humidifiers, and the rest compared samples from both models. Microbial contamination was observed in all studies in which reusable humidifiers were evaluated, usually involving common bacteria from the skin flora, while potential pathogenic species were notified in 2 studies. No microbial contamination was isolated from reusable humidifiers, regardless of whether they had been consecutively used over time by a single patient or by several patients. Conclusion: On one hand, there seems to be a low risk of contamination during the first weeks of use of prefilled humidifiers, which allows multiple use in different patients, without a risk of cross-contamination. On the other hand, it should be underscored that handling reusable humidifiers without correct aseptic measures can increase the risk of contamination; replacing reusable humidifiers with prefilled models therefore could be the safest option

Microbiological contamination in high and low flow oxygen humidifiers: A systematic review. / Contaminación microbiológica en humidificadores de sistemas de oxigenoterapia de alto y bajo flujo: una revisión sistemática.

AIM: To determine the risk of microbiological contamination with hospital use high- and low-flow bubbling humidifiers. METHODS: A systematic literature review was carried out in 6 databases. Observational or experimental studies published between 1990 and 2016 were selected, written in English or Spanish, and in which microbiological contamination with hospital use high- and low-flow bubbling humidifiers was investigated. RESULTS: A total of 12 articles were included: 4 analyzed the water from reusable humidifiers, 4 analyzed the water from prefilled system humidifiers, and the rest compared samples from both models. Microbial contamination was observed in all studies in which reusable humidifiers were evaluated, usually involving common bacteria from the skin flora, while potential pathogenic species were notified in 2 studies. No microbial contamination was isolated from reusable humidifiers, regardless of whether they had been consecutively used over time by a single patient or by several patients. CONCLUSION: On one hand, there seems to be a low risk of contamination during the first weeks of use of prefilled humidifiers, which allows multiple use in different patients, without a risk of cross-contamination. On the other hand, it should be underscored that handling reusable humidifiers without correct aseptic measures can increase the risk of contamination; replacing reusable humidifiers with prefilled models therefore could be the safest option.

Estudio cualitativo sobre las experiencias y emociones de los técnicos y enfermeras de emergencias extrahospitalarias tras la realización de maniobras de reanimación cardiopulmonar con resultado de muerte / A qualitative study about experiences and emotions of emergency medical technicians and out-of-hospital emergency nurses after performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation resulting in death

Objetivo: Explorar las experiencias, emociones y estrategias de afrontamiento de las enfermeras y técnicos de emergencias extrahospitalarias tras la realización de maniobras de resucitación con resultado de muerte. Método: Estudio de análisis de contenido cualitativo. Participaron 7 técnicos en emergencias y 6 enfermeras seleccionados mediante muestreo no probabilístico entre los trabajadores del ámbito de las emergencias sanitarias del País Vasco. Se realizaron reuniones hasta saturación de la información, lográndose tras realizar 6 entrevistas individuales y un grupo focal. Se procedió a la transcripción de las reuniones y se realizó un análisis de contenido de las entrevistas de forma manual e inductiva. Principales resultados: Tras una reanimación fallida afloran diversas reacciones a corto y a largo plazo. Pueden ser negativas, como la tristeza o la incertidumbre, o positivas, como la sensación de certeza con respecto a haber hecho todo lo posible por salvar la vida del paciente. El estrés emocional aumenta a la hora de interactuar con la familia del fallecido o cuando el paciente es un niño, pero los profesionales no contemplan técnicas de afrontamiento más allá de compartir sus emociones con los compañeros de trabajo. Conclusiones: La muerte tras una reanimación cardiopulmonar fallida puede suponer una experiencia traumática para los reanimadores. Convivir en contacto con el sufrimiento ajeno es un elemento generador de estrés emocional con implicaciones directas sobre la vida profesional y personal de los trabajadores de emergencias. A pesar de ello, las estrategias de afrontamiento estructuradas no son habituales en este colectivo profesional

Objective: To explore the experiences, emotions and coping skills among emergency medical technicians and emergency nurses after performing out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation manoeuvres resulting in death. Method: An exploratory qualitative research was performed. Seven emergency medical technicians and six emergency nurses were selected by non-probability sampling among emergency medical system workers. The meetings took place up to information saturation, achieved after six individual interviews and a focal group. The meetings were then transcribed and a manual and inductive analysis of the contents performed. Main results: After a failed resuscitation several short and long-term reactions appear. They can be negatives, such as sadness or uncertainty, or positives, such as the feeling of having done everything possible to save the patient's life. Emotional stress increases when ambulance staff have to talk with the deceased's family or when the patient is a child. The workers don’t know of a coping strategy other than talking about their emotions with their colleagues. Conclusions: Death after a failed resuscitation can be viewed as a traumatic experience for rescuers. Being in contact with the suffering of others is an emotional, stress-generating factor with direct repercussions on the working and personal lives of emergency staff. Nevertheless, structured coping techniques are not common among those professionals

A qualitative study about experiences and emotions of emergency medical technicians and out-of-hospital emergency nurses after performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation resulting in death. / Estudio cualitativo sobre las experiencias y emociones de los técnicos y enfermeras de emergencias extrahospitalarias tras la realización de maniobras de reanimación cardiopulmonar con resultado de muerte.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences, emotions and coping skills among emergency medical technicians and emergency nurses after performing out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation manoeuvres resulting in death. METHOD: An exploratory qualitative research was performed. Seven emergency medical technicians and six emergency nurses were selected by non-probability sampling among emergency medical system workers. The meetings took place up to information saturation, achieved after six individual interviews and a focal group. The meetings were then transcribed and a manual and inductive analysis of the contents performed. MAIN RESULTS: After a failed resuscitation several short and long-term reactions appear. They can be negatives, such as sadness or uncertainty, or positives, such as the feeling of having done everything possible to save the patient's life. Emotional stress increases when ambulance staff have to talk with the deceased's family or when the patient is a child. The workers don't know of a coping strategy other than talking about their emotions with their colleagues. CONCLUSIONS: Death after a failed resuscitation can be viewed as a traumatic experience for rescuers. Being in contact with the suffering of others is an emotional, stress-generating factor with direct repercussions on the working and personal lives of emergency staff. Nevertheless, structured coping techniques are not common among those professionals.

Conocimientos y actitudes de los ciudadanos del País Vasco sobre la resucitación cardiopulmonar y los desfibriladores externos automatizados / Knowledge and attitudes of citizens in the Basque Country (Spain) towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automatic external defibrillators

OBJETIVO: Explorar la formación, la capacitación autopercibida y las actitudes de la población del País Vasco sobre la resucitación cardiopulmonar y el uso de desfibriladores automatizados. DISEÑO: Encuesta heteroadministrada a pie de calle. ÁMBITO: Capitales de provincia del País Vasco. PARTICIPANTES: Seiscientas cinco personas de entre 15 y 64 años, seleccionadas mediante muestreo aleatorio estratificado por edad. VARIABLES DE INTERÉS PRINCIPALES: Nivel de formación recibida, capacitación autopercibida y percepciones y actitudes para identificar y asistir a una persona en parada cardiorrespiratoria. RESULTADOS: El 56,4% de los encuestados eran mujeres, el 61,8% en situación laboral activa y el 48,3% poseía estudios superiores. El 37% refirió haberse formado en técnicas de resucitación, pero solo un 20,2% consideraba encontrarse capacitado para aplicarlas. Las personas que trabajan en la administración pública mostraron una probabilidad casi 4 veces mayor de estar formadas en desfibrilación que quienes trabajan en otros sectores (OR 3,7; p < 0,001), mientras que aquellos con estudios elementales/sin estudios presentaron una probabilidad casi 3 veces mayor que el resto de no haberse formado en resucitación cardiopulmonar (OR 2,7; p = 0,001). El 94,7% consideraba «bastante/muy importante» que la población fuese capaz de realizar una resucitación, pero el 55% declaró que no sabría identificar una parada cardiaca si la presenciase y el 40,3% no sabría reconocer un desfibrilador de acceso público. CONCLUSIONES: La ciudadanía del País Vasco considera importante saber identificar y tratar precozmente a una persona en parada cardiorrespiratoria, pero los conocimientos generales sobre resucitación cardiopulmonar y desfibrilación son pobres

AIM: To explore the training, ability and attitudes towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automatic defibrillators among the population of the Basque Country (Spain). DESIGN: A face-to-face survey. SCOPE: Capital cities of the Basque Country. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 605 people between 15-64 years of age were randomly selected. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Information about the knowledge, perceptions and self-perceived ability to identify and assist cardiopulmonary arrest was requested. RESULTS: A total of 56.4% of the responders were women, 61.8% were occupationally active, and 48.3% had higher education. Thirty-seven percent of the responders claimed to be trained in resuscitation techniques, but only 20.2% considered themselves able to apply such techniques. Public servants were almost 4 times more likely of being trained in defibrillation compared to the rest of workers (OR 3.7; P < .001), while people with elementary studies or no studies were almost 3 times more likely of not being trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, in comparison with the rest (OR 2.7; P = .001). A total of 94.7% of the responders considered it «quite or very important» for the general population to be able to apply resuscitation, though 55% considered themselves unable to identify an eye witnessed cardiac arrest, and 40.3% would not recognize a public-access defibrillator. CONCLUSIONS: Citizens of the Basque Country consider the early identification and treatment of cardiorespiratory arrest victims to be important, though their knowledge in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation is limited