Evaluation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques. The Cerebral Resuscitation Study Group

The prevalence of different CPR techniques and the use of adjuncts during the resuscitation attempt by the members of the emergency medical service (EMS) system [bystander, emergency medical technician (EMT), ward nurse, tiered nurse or paramedic, mobile intensive care unit (MICU) has been registrated prospectively during a 5-year period by 7 major Belgian EMS systems. A total of 4548 cardiac arrests have been registered, 3083 happened outside and 1465 inside the hospital. Evaluation of the methods used for assessment of quality of the CPR techniques revealed that this approach was biased both by the status of the health care provider and by the outcome of the patient. Nevertheless, it was evident that the well-accepted standards and guidelines for CPR and emergency cardiac care (American Heart Association and Safar) are poorly applied. This seems to be influenced by the qualification, the experience and the training level of the health care provider. In 998 of 3053 studies out-of-hospital arrests (33%) CPR was initiated by bystanders. Of these, 59% were bystanding health care workers. They performed external chest compression (ECC) more frequently than mouth-to-mouth insufflation (MOMO) (poor technique: 16-19%). In 18% the rescuers were family members who applied more MOMO than ECC (poor technique: +/- 50%). Laymen (23%) performed more ECC than MOMO (poor technique: +/- 33%). EMT and ward nurses apply mainly the bag-valve-mask technique. The bag-valve-tube technique is more frequently used by nurses of a tiered system. The MICU-team applies usually the bag-valve-mask prior to intubation.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the rat

A standardized method of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in rodents has been developed for anesthetized, mechanically ventilated rats. Ventricular fibrillation was induced and maintained by an alternating current delivered to the right ventricular endocardium. After 4 min of ventricular fibrillation, the chest was compressed with a pneumatic piston device. Eight of 14 animals were successfully resuscitated with DC countershock after 6 min of cardiac arrest. In confirmation of earlier studies from our laboratories in dogs, pigs, and human patients, this rodent model of cardiopulmonary resuscitation demonstrated large venoarterial [H+] and PCO2 gradients associated with reduced pulmonary excretion of CO2 during the low-flow state. Mean aortic pressure, coronary perfusion pressure, and end-tidal CO2 during chest compression were predictive of successful resuscitation.

[Device for a single-operator resuscitation]

A simple type of reanimation equipment is described which - independent of energy supply - makes it possible for a single operator to perform complete mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The apparatus is placed on the distal half of the sternum of the supine patient and connected to the respiratory tract via a connecting tube. Inspiration occurs by depressing the apparatus, while the subsequent expiration is followed by cardiac massage by means of depressing the apparatus. This new method has proved itself effective in three patients with acute cardiocirculatory arrest.

Multiple intensive care unit outbreak of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus subspecies anitratus respiratory infection and colonization associated with contaminated, reusable ventilator circuits and resuscitation bags

PURPOSE

Acinetobacter calcoaceticus subspecies anitratus (A. anitratus) can cause nosocomially and community acquired pneumonia. Source identification of the organism is often difficult. An outbreak of respiratory infection and colonization with A. anitratus affecting 93 ventilated patients in all six of a hospital's intensive care units (ICUs) over 10 months is described.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In April 1984, the infection control staff started to review positive culture results from all patients in all ICUs. At this point, information on significant isolates was recorded by patient, site, date, genus and species, and antimicrobial susceptibility. During the month of August 1984, an increased number of A. anitratus isolates from sputum began to be detected. Information was expanded to include the date of hospital admission, ICU admission, intubation, and extubation; the dates and types of all surgical procedures; the results and dates of all prior sputum cultures; and the use of nebulized bronchodilator medications. Monthly numbers of cases were compared for four months prior to the outbreak, during the outbreak, and for seven months after the outbreak. Plasmid DNA from isolates was prepared, electrophoresed, and visualized. Isolates were designated according to the molecular weights of visualized plasmids.

RESULTS

Barrier precautions and improved staff handwashing did not diminish the frequency of new cases. When pasteurized, reusable ventilator circuits and resuscitation bags were cultured for the possibility of low-level contamination, 18 percent were positive for A. anitratus. Terminal ethylene oxide sterilization of these devices was associated with prompt control of the outbreak. Plasmid DNA analysis of isolates from patients involved in the outbreak, contaminated devices, and the hands of personnel responsible for device disinfection revealed two predominant plasmid profiles. After outbreak control, isolates with these profiles were found much less frequently in patient specimens.

CONCLUSION

Contaminated, reusable ventilator support equipment may be a leading cause for the extent of A. anitratus in the sputum of intubated patients. This problem is potentially correctable by the use of terminal etyhlene oxide sterilization of reusable ventilator circuits and resuscitation bags.

Inaccuracy and delay in decision making in paediatric resuscitation, and a proposed reference chart to reduce error

Several surveys have noted the poor performance of junior hospital doctors in simulated cardiorespiratory arrest in adults. A further survey was undertaken to investigate inaccuracy and delay in the resuscitation of children. The results suggested that inaccuracy was a greater problem than delay. Because of the variation in size of children and the comparative infrequency of cardiorespiratory arrest in this age group a simple, versatile, and readily available reference chart is needed to aid rapid and accurate decisions.

The Oxford Miniature Vaporizer in paediatric anaesthesia. An experimental study

An experimental study of the Oxford Miniature Vaporizer in combination with a paediatric resuscitation bag has demonstrated efficient halothane vaporization at small tidal volumes. This technique will be appropriate in paediatric anaesthesia with the Triservice apparatus.