Automated external defibrillators: implications for training qualified ambulance staff

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To investigate the performance of basic trained ambulance personnel using an automated external defibrillator (AED) after a short training program.

METHODS

One hundred ninety ambulance attendants working in London received six and one-half hours training in the use of an AED, with written feedback and continuing education regarding performance after training. Performance was assessed over a period of 15 months by analysis of report forms and ECG/audible cassette tapes from the patients who were treated.

RESULTS

Staff were able to operate the defibrillator correctly in 96% of cases and followed the protocol sequence taught in 34% of cases. The median time taken to activate the defibrillator following arrival of the ambulance at the scene of cardiac arrest was four minutes (range, one to 13 minutes). In 32% of cases, patients were intubated erroneously or moved to the ambulance before the AED was attached.

CONCLUSION

The short course with continuing education was sufficient to train staff in AED operation, but errors in protocol compliance occurred throughout the trial.

New radioisotope test for detection of deep venous thrombosis in the legs

A radiopharmsceutical product, labelled macroaggregates of albumin (M.A.A.), which is in use as a lung scintiscanning agent has been noted to have an affinity for venous thrombi. With this material and an inexpensive portable scintillation detector we have attempted to diagnose and localize thrombi in leg veins. The procedure is performed at the bedside and the result is available in 30 minutes. Thirty-one patients with clinical evidence suggestive of deep venous thrombosis in the legs were studied by the radioisotope method and by phlebography. There was agreement in 18 of 21 legs shown to contain thrombus on phlebography and in 9 of 10 legs shown to be free of thrombosis on phlebography. There was, however, lesser agreement on the site of thrombosis between the two methods. The ease of performing the test combined with the rapidity of obtaining results and accuracy in diagnosis suggests that the test has a clinical application.

Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy in the treatment of duodenal ulcer

Twenty patients with duodenal ulcer have been treated by a pylorus-preserving gastrectomy. A functioning pyloric sphincter was maintained by retaining a 2-cm. cuff of antrum and carrying out a Billroth-I type of resection proximally. Basal acid output was reduced by 52.4 per cent and maximal acid output by 65 per cent. Gastric emptying time was prolonged, without producing stasis. A provocative test for the presence of dumping produced symptoms in only 1 patient following this operation in comparison with a high incidence of symptoms in patients who had had a Polya gastrectomy or vagotomy and drainage.

The results suggest that the procedure may be of value in the treatment of chronic duodenal ulcer.