Incidence of agonal respirations in sudden cardiac arrest

Ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a narrative review

Ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation is vital to achieve optimal oxygenation but continues to be a subject of ongoing debate. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of various components and challenges of ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, highlighting key areas of uncertainty in the current understanding of ventilation management. It addresses the pulmonary pathophysiology during cardiac arrest, the importance of adequate alveolar ventilation, recommendations concerning the maintenance of airway patency, tidal volumes and ventilation rates in both synchronous and asynchronous ventilation. Additionally, it discusses ventilation adjuncts such as the impedance threshold device, the role of positive end-expiratory pressure ventilation, and passive oxygenation. Finally, this review offers directions for future research.

Dissolution of spiral wave's core using cardiac optogenetics

Rotating spiral waves in the heart are associated with life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. These arrhythmias are treated by a process called defibrillation, which forces electrical resynchronization of the heart tissue by delivering a single global high-voltage shock directly to the heart. This method leads to immediate termination of spiral waves. However, this may not be the only mechanism underlying successful defibrillation, as certain scenarios have also been reported, where the arrhythmia terminated slowly, over a finite period of time. Here, we investigate the slow termination dynamics of an arrhythmia in optogenetically modified murine cardiac tissue both in silico and ex vivo during global illumination at low light intensities. Optical imaging of an intact mouse heart during a ventricular arrhythmia shows slow termination of the arrhythmia, which is due to action potential prolongation observed during the last rotation of the wave. Our numerical studies show that when the core of a spiral is illuminated, it begins to expand, pushing the spiral arm towards the inexcitable boundary of the domain, leading to termination of the spiral wave. We believe that these fundamental findings lead to a better understanding of arrhythmia dynamics during slow termination, which in turn has implications for the improvement and development of new cardiac defibrillation techniques.

Swedish dispatchers’ compliance with the American Heart Association performance goals for dispatch-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation and its association with survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A retrospective study

Aim

We aimed 1) to investigate how Swedish dispatchers perform during emergency calls in accordance with the American Heart Association (AHA) goals for dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DA-CPR), 2) calculate the potential impact on 30-day survival.

Methods

This observational study includes a random sample of 1000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) emergency ambulance calls during 2018 in Sweden. Voice logs were audited to evaluate dispatchers’ handling of emergency calls according to the AHA performance goals. Number of possible additional survivors was estimated assuming the timeframes of the AHA performance goals was achieved.

Results

A total of 936 cases were included. An OHCA was recognized by a dispatcher in 79% (AHA goal 75%). In recognizable OHCA, dispatchers recognized 85% (AHA goal 95%). Dispatch-directed compressions were given in 61% (AHA goal 75%). Median time to OHCA recognition was 113 s [interquartile range (IQR), 62, 204 s] (AHA goal < 60 s). The first dispatch-directed compression was performed at a median time of 240 s [IQR, 176, 332 s] (AHA goal < 90 s). If eligible patients receive dispatch-directed compressions within the AHA 90 s goal, 73 additional lives may be saved; if all cases are recognized within the AHA 60 s goal, 25 additional lives may be saved.

Conclusions

The AHA policy statement serves as a benchmark for all emergency medical dispatch centres (EMDC). Additional effort is needed at Swedish EMDC to achieve AHA goals for DA-CPR. Our study suggests that if EMDC further optimize handling of OHCA calls in accordance with AHA goals, many more lives may be saved.

Seizure-like activity at the onset of emergency medical service-witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: An observational study

Aims

Emergency medical service (EMS) may detect seizure-like activity in addition to agonal breathing in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). This study investigates the incidence and predictors of seizure-like activity in nontraumatic, EMS-witnessed OHCA and their association with clinical outcomes.

Methods

This prospective study explored EMS-recorded concomitant signs/symptoms that lead to the requirement of advanced life support in patients with nontraumatic, EMS-witnessed OHCA. Seizure-like activity includes abnormal/tonic movements and eyeball deviation. Sudden OHCA was defined by the absence of signs/symptoms of impending cardiac arrest at EMS contact or progressive circulatory/respiratory depressions after the EMS contact. Neurologically favorable outcomes were defined as the cerebral performance category score of 1 or 2 at discharge.

Results

From April 2012 to March 2020, 465 patients were studied. The incidence of seizure-like activity at cardiac arrest onset was 12.7% (59/465) in all patients with nontraumatic, EMS-witnessed OHCA. Seizure-like activity was common during shockable initial rhythm; in patients with “sudden” OHCA; and in patients who were younger, male, or had a presumed cardiac etiology. In a boosting tree, shockable initial rhythm, “sudden” OHCA, and presumed cardiac etiology were major factors that predicted the incidence of seizure-like activity. Multivariate logistic regression models including and excluding OHCA characteristics revealed that both seizure-like activity and agonal breathing recorded during EMS-witnessed OHCA were associated with favorable outcomes.

Conclusions

Seizure-like activity is a major sign/symptom of the onset of “sudden” cardiac arrest of presumed cardiac etiology, particularly in patients with shockable initial rhythms. Such activity were significantly associated with neurologically favorable outcomes.

Assessment of breathing in cardiac arrest: a randomised controlled trial of three teaching methods among laypersons

Background

The aim of this trial was to compare a video- and a simulation-based teaching method to the conventional lecture-based method, hypothesizing that the video- and simulation-based teaching methods would lead to improved recognition of breathing patterns during cardiac arrest.

Methods

In this Danish, investigator-initiated, stratified, randomised controlled trial, adult laypersons (university students, military conscripts and elderly retirees) participating in European Resuscitation Council Basic Life Support courses were randomised to receive teaching on how to recognise breathing patterns using a lecture- (usual practice), a video-, or a simulation-based teaching method. The primary outcome was recognition of breathing patterns in nine videos of actors simulating normal breathing, no breathing, and agonal breathing (three of each). We analysed outcomes using logistic regression models and present results as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and P-values from likelihood ratio tests.

Results

One hundred fifty-three participants were included in the analyses from February 2, 2018 through May 21, 2019 and recognition of breathing patterns was statistically significantly different between the teaching methods (P = 0.013). Compared to lecture-based teaching (83% correct answers), both video- (90% correct answers; OR 1.77, 95% CI: 1.19–2.64) and simulation-based teaching (88% correct answers; OR 1.48; 95% CI: 1.01–2.17) led to significantly more correct answers. Video-based teaching was not statistically significantly different compared to simulation-based teaching (OR 1.20; 95% CI: 0.78–1.83).

Conclusion

Video- and simulation-based teaching methods led to improved recognition of breathing patterns among laypersons participating in adult Basic Life Support courses compared to the conventional lecture-based teaching method.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12873-021-00513-4.

[Basic life support]

The European Resuscitation Council has produced these basic life support guidelines, which are based on the 2020 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Science with Treatment Recommendations. The topics covered include cardiac arrest recognition, alerting emergency services, chest compressions, rescue breaths, automated external defibrillation (AED), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quality measurement, new technologies, safety, and foreign body airway obstruction.

Shoulder strap fixation of LUCAS-2 to facilitate continuous CPR during non-supine (stair) stretcher transport of OHCAs patients

Early recognition and rapid initiation of high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are key to maximising chances of achieving successful return of spontaneous circulation in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs), as well as improving patient outcomes both inside and outside hospital. Mechanical chest compression devices such as the LUCAS-2 have been developed to assist rescuers in providing consistent, high-quality compressions, even during transportation. However, providing uninterrupted and effective compressions with LUCAS-2 during transportation down stairwells and in tight spaces in a non-supine position is relatively impossible. In this study, we proposed adaptations to the LUCAS-2 to allow its use during transportation down stairwells and examined its effectiveness in providing high-quality CPR to simulated OHCA patients. 20 volunteer emergency medical technicians were randomised into 10 pairs, each undergoing 2 simulation runs per experimental arm (LUCAS-2 versus control) with a loaded Resusci Anne First Aid full body manikin weighing 60 kg. Quality of CPR compressions performed was measured using the CPRmeter placed on the sternum of the manikin. The respective times taken for each phase of the simulation protocol were recorded. Fisher’s exact tests were used to analyse categorical variables and median test to analyse continuous variables. The LUCAS-2 group required a longer time (~ 35 s) to prepare the patient prior to transport (p < 0.0001) and arrive at the ambulance (p < 0.0001) compared to the control group. The CPR quality in terms of depth and rate for the overall resuscitation period did not differ significantly between the LUCAS-2 group and control group, though there was a reduction in both parameters when evaluating the device’s automated compressions during transport. Nevertheless, the application of the LUCAS-2 device yielded a significantly higher chest compression fraction of 0.76 (p < 0.0001). Our novel adaptations to the LUCAS-2 device allow for uninterrupted compressions in patients being transported down stairwells, thus yielding better chest compression fractions for the overall resuscitation period. Whether potentially improved post-OHCA survival rates may be achieved requires confirmation in a real-world scenario study.

European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021: Basic Life Support

The European Resuscitation Council has produced these basic life support guidelines, which are based on the 2020 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Science with Treatment Recommendations. The topics covered include cardiac arrest recognition, alerting emergency services, chest compressions, rescue breaths, automated external defibrillation (AED), CPR quality measurement, new technologies, safety, and foreign body airway obstruction.

Telecommunicator Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Policy Statement From the American Heart Association

Every year in the United States, >350 000 people have sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital environment. Sudden cardiac arrest is the unexpected loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness and is commonly the result of an electric disturbance in the heart. Unfortunately, only ≈1 in 10 victims survives this dramatic event. Early access to 9-1-1 and early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are the first 2 links in the chain of survival for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Although 9-1-1 is frequently accessed, in the majority of cases, individuals with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest do not receive lay rescuer CPR and wait for the arrival of professional emergency rescuers. Telecommunicators are the true first responders and a critical link in the cardiac arrest chain of survival. In partnership with the 9-1-1 caller, telecommunicators have the first opportunity to identify a patient in cardiac arrest and provide initial care by delivering CPR instructions while quickly dispatching emergency medical services. The telecommunicator and the caller form a unique team in which the expertise of the telecommunicator is provided just in time to a willing caller, transforming the caller into a lay rescuer delivering CPR. The telecommunicator CPR (T-CPR) process, also previously described as dispatch CPR, dispatch-assisted CPR, or telephone CPR, represents an important opportunity to improve survival from sudden cardiac arrest. Conversely, failure to provide T-CPR in this manner results in preventable harm. This statement describes the public health impact of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, provides guidance and resources to construct and maintain a T-CPR program, outlines the minimal acceptable standards for timely and high-quality delivery of T-CPR instructions, and identifies strategies to overcome common implementation barriers to T-CPR.

Key components of a community response to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains a leading cause of death worldwide, with substantial geographical, ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in outcome. Successful resuscitation efforts depend on the 'chain of survival', which includes immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system, early bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with an emphasis on chest compressions, rapid defibrillation, basic and advanced emergency medical services and integrated post-cardiac arrest care. Well-orchestrated telecommunicator CPR programmes can improve rates of bystander CPR - a critical link in the chain of survival. High-performance CPR by emergency medical service providers includes minimizing interruptions in chest compressions and ensuring adequate depth of compressions. Developing local, regional and statewide systems with dedicated high-performing cardiac resuscitation centres for post-resuscitation care can substantially improve survival after OHCA. Innovative digital tools for recognizing cardiac arrest where and when it occurs, notifying potential citizen rescuers and providing automated external defibrillators at the scene hold the promise of improving survival after OHCA. Improved implementation of the chain of survival can save thousands of lives each year.

Neuromodulation as a new avenue for resuscitation in hemorrhagic shock

Hemorrhagic shock (HS), a major cause of early death from trauma, accounts for around 40% of mortality, with 33–56% of these deaths occurring before the patient reaches a medical facility. Intravenous fluid therapy and blood transfusions are the cornerstone of treating HS. However, these options may not be available soon after the injury, resulting in death or a poorer quality of survival. Therefore, new strategies are needed to manage HS patients before they can receive definitive care. Recently, various forms of neuromodulation have been investigated as possible supplementary treatments for HS in the prehospital phase of care. Here, we provide an overview of neuromodulation methods that show promise to treat HS, such as vagus nerve stimulation, electroacupuncture, trigeminal nerve stimulation, and phrenic nerve stimulation and outline their possible mechanisms in the treatment of HS. Although all of these approaches are only validated in the preclinical models of HS and are yet to be translated to clinical settings, they clearly represent a paradigm shift in the way that this deadly condition is managed in the future.

Association of school hours with outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in schoolchildren

Objective

To investigate the association of school hours with outcomes of schoolchildren with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Methods

From the 2005-2014 nationwide databases, we extracted the data for 1660 schoolchildren (6-17 years) with bystander-witnessed OHCA. Univariate analyses followed by propensity-matching procedures and stepwise logistic regression analyses were applied. School hours were defined as 08:00 to 18:00.

Results

The neurologically favourable 1-month survival rate during school hours was better than that during non-school hours only on school days: 18.4% and 10.5%, respectively. During school hours on school days, patients with OHCA more frequently received bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and public access defibrillation (PAD), and had a shockable initial rhythm and presumed cardiac aetiology. The neurologically favourable 1-month survival rate did not significantly differ between school hours on school days and all other times of day after propensity score matching: 16.4% vs 16.1% (unadjusted OR 1.02; 95% CI 0.69 to 1.51). Stepwise logistic regression analysis during school hours on school days revealed that shockable initial rhythm (adjusted OR 2.44; 95% CI 1.12 to 5.42), PAD (adjusted OR 3.32; 95% CI 1.23 to 9.10), non-exogenous causes (adjusted OR 5.88; 95% CI 1.85 to 20.0) and a shorter emergency medical service (EMS) response time (adjusted OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.32) and witness-to-first CPR interval (adjusted OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.15) were major factors associated with an improved neurologically favourable 1-month survival rate.

Conclusions

School hours are not an independent factor associated with improved outcomes of OHCA in schoolchildren. The time delays in CPR and EMS arrival were independently associated with poor outcomes during school hours on school days.

Contactless cardiac arrest detection using smart devices

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death worldwide. Rapid diagnosis and initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the cornerstone of therapy for victims of cardiac arrest. Yet a significant fraction of cardiac arrest victims have no chance of survival because they experience an unwitnessed event, often in the privacy of their own homes. An under-appreciated diagnostic element of cardiac arrest is the presence of agonal breathing, an audible biomarker and brainstem reflex that arises in the setting of severe hypoxia. Here, we demonstrate that a support vector machine (SVM) can classify agonal breathing instances in real-time within a bedroom environment. Using real-world labeled 9-1-1 audio of cardiac arrests, we train the SVM to accurately classify agonal breathing instances. We obtain an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9993 ± 0.0003 and an operating point with an overall sensitivity and specificity of 97.24% (95% CI: 96.86–97.61%) and 99.51% (95% CI: 99.35–99.67%). We achieve a false positive rate between 0 and 0.14% over 82 h (117,985 audio segments) of polysomnographic sleep lab data that includes snoring, hypopnea, central, and obstructive sleep apnea events. We also evaluate our classifier in home sleep environments: the false positive rate was 0–0.22% over 164 h (236,666 audio segments) of sleep data collected across 35 different bedroom environments. We prototype our proof-of-concept contactless system using commodity smart devices (Amazon Echo and Apple iPhone) and demonstrate its effectiveness in identifying cardiac arrest-associated agonal breathing instances played over the air.

An Anesthesiologist's Perspective on the History of Basic Airway Management: The "Modern" Era, 1960 to Present

This fourth and last installment of my history of basic airway management discusses the current (i.e., "modern") era of anesthesia and resuscitation, from 1960 to the present. These years were notable for the implementation of intermittent positive pressure ventilation inside and outside the operating room. Basic airway management in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (i.e., expired air ventilation) was de-emphasized, as the "A-B-C" (airway-breathing-circulation) protocol was replaced with the "C-A-B" (circulation-airway-breathing) intervention sequence. Basic airway management in the operating room (i.e., face-mask ventilation) lost its predominant position to advanced airway management, as balanced anesthesia replaced inhalation anesthesia. The one-hand, generic face-mask ventilation technique was inherited from the progressive era. In the new context of providing intermittent positive pressure ventilation, the generic technique generated an underpowered grip with a less effective seal and an unspecified airway maneuver. The significant advancement that had been made in understanding the pathophysiology of upper airway obstruction was thus poorly translated into practice. In contrast to consistent progress in advanced airway management, progress in basic airway techniques and devices stagnated.

The prognostic value of agonal respiration in refractory cardiac arrest: a case series of non-shockable cardiac arrest successfully resuscitated through extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Background

Agonal respiration following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is associated with favorable neurological outcomes. Resuscitation using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation could contribute to achieving favorable neurological outcomes in patients with refractory cardiac arrest.

Case presentation

We report two cases of refractory cardiac arrest with non-shockable rhythms and agonal respiration; both patients were successfully resuscitated through extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). Both patients were breathing spontaneously upon arrival. One patient was asystolic and the other experienced pulseless electrical activity followed by ventricular fibrillation. Agonal respiration was observed in both and ECPR was implemented, leading to a favorable neurological outcome at discharge.

Conclusion

The presence of agonal respiration has the potential to confer a favorable neurological outcome in patients with refractory cardiac arrest if maintained, even when the initial cardiac rhythm is not shockable. In these cases, resuscitation should not be abandoned, and ECPR should be considered.

Machine learning as a supportive tool to recognize cardiac arrest in emergency calls

BACKGROUND

Emergency medical dispatchers fail to identify approximately 25% of cases of out of hospital cardiac arrest, thus lose the opportunity to provide the caller instructions in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We examined whether a machine learning framework could recognize out-of-hospital cardiac arrest from audio files of calls to the emergency medical dispatch center.

METHODS

For all incidents responded to by Emergency Medical Dispatch Center Copenhagen in 2014, the associated call was retrieved. A machine learning framework was trained to recognize cardiac arrest from the recorded calls. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value for recognizing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest were calculated. The performance of the machine learning framework was compared to the actual recognition and time-to-recognition of cardiac arrest by medical dispatchers.

RESULTS

We examined 108,607 emergency calls, of which 918 (0.8%) were out-of-hospital cardiac arrest calls eligible for analysis. Compared with medical dispatchers, the machine learning framework had a significantly higher sensitivity (72.5% vs. 84.1%, p < 0.001) with lower specificity (98.8% vs. 97.3%, p < 0.001). The machine learning framework had a lower positive predictive value than dispatchers (20.9% vs. 33.0%, p < 0.001). Time-to-recognition was significantly shorter for the machine learning framework compared to the dispatchers (median 44 seconds vs. 54 s, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A machine learning framework performed better than emergency medical dispatchers for identifying out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in emergency phone calls. Machine learning may play an important role as a decision support tool for emergency medical dispatchers.

Prognostic value of gasping for short and long outcomes during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

We systematically reviewed the literature to investigate whether gasping could predict short and long outcomes in patients with out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for observational studies regarding the prognostic effect of gasping on short and long outcomes in adults with OHCA. The primary outcome was return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The secondary outcomes were favorable neurological outcome at discharge or at 30 days after cardiac arrest;long term (≥6 months) survival; initial shockable rhythm.The Mantel-Haenszel method with random-effects model was used to calculate pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Five studies (six cohorts) were included in the final analysis. In the pooled analysis, gasping was not only associated with a significant increase in ROSC (RR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.64–2.13; I² = 70%), but also a high likelihood of favorable neurological outcomes (RR, 3.79; 95% CI, 1.86–7.73), long-term survival (RR, 3.46; 95% CI, 1.70–7.07), and initial shockable rhythm (RR, 2.25; 95% CI, 2.05–2.48).

Conclusions

Current evidence indicates that gasping can predict short and long outcomes in patients with OHCA.In addition, gasping is associated with a high likelihood of initial shockable rhythm,which may contribute to positive outcomes.

The Critical Role of Dispatch

There are 240 million 9-1-1 calls in the United States every year. The burden of managing these emergencies until first responders can arrive is on the dispatchers working in the 5806 public safety answering points, more commonly known as dispatch centers. They are the first link in the chain of survival between the public and the remainder of the health care system. Dispatchers play a critical role in the early identification of emergencies, assignment of appropriate emergency resources, and provision of life-sustaining interventions like dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation and disaster management.

Supraglottic airway device placement by respiratory therapists

OBJECTIVE

Respiratory Therapists (RTs) are some of the first staff to arrive at in-hospital incidents where cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is needed, yet at some facilities, their ability to intubate is limited by hospital scope of practice. During the intubation process, CPR is often interrupted which could potentially increase the likelihood of adverse patient outcomes. Training RTs to secure the airway using non-intubation methods may reduce or eliminate time for CPR interruptions and allow for earlier continuous/uninterrupted chest compressions.

DESIGN

A pilot study was developed to assess the effectiveness of a new policy for RT scope of practice.

METHODS

RTs were trained for supraglottic airway device placement prior to procedure initiation. After each device insertion event, RTs completed a written survey. Time between cardiac arrest and device insertion, number of insertion attempts, ease of placement, technical specifications of the device, complications, and survival were compiled and compared between supraglottic airway device and endotracheal tube (ETT) placement.

RESULTS

Procedural information from 23 patients who received a supraglottic airway device during the trial was compared to retrospective data of CPR events requiring intubation from the previous year. Time between initiation of cardiac arrest and advanced airway placement decreased significantly (p < 0.0001) when RTs placed the supraglottic airway device (4.7 min) versus ETT at CPR events the previous year (8.6 min). Device-associated complications were minimal and patient mortality was the same regardless of device.

CONCLUSION

We propose that more RTs should be trained to insert supraglottic airway devices during inpatient CPR events.

The role of dispatch in resuscitation

The role of the dispatch centre has increasingly become a focus of attention in cardiac arrest resuscitation. The dispatch centre is part of the first link in the chain of survival because without the initiation of early access, the rest of the chain is irrelevant. The influence of dispatch can also extend to the initiation of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, early defibrillation and the rapid dispatch of emergency ambulances. The new International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation, the American Heart Association and, especially, the European Resuscitation Council 2015 guidelines have been increasing their emphasis on dispatch as the key to improving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival.

Can Gasping be Used as a Tool to Determine Whether to Perform Compression-Only CPR versus Conventional CPR?

Rottenberg EM . Can gasping be used as a tool to determine whether to perform compression-only CPR versus conventional CPR? Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(2):225-226.

Clinical outcome of canine cardiopulmonary resuscitation following the RECOVER clinical guidelines at a Japanese nighttime animal hospital

A set of evidence-based consensus guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in dogs and cats (RECOVER guidelines) was published in 2012. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of CPR performed according to those guidelines in dogs. A total of 141 dogs with cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) were identified and underwent CPR between January 2012 and December 2015 at the Sapporo Nighttime Animal Hospital. CPR was performed according to no-consensus traditional veterinary CPR procedures in 68 dogs (TRADITIONAL group), and according to the RECOVER guidelines in 73 dogs (RECOVER group). There was no significant difference in the age, body weight, or time from CPA identification to initiation of CPR between the TRADITIONAL and RECOVER groups (median [range]: 10 [0–16] vs. 11 [0–16] years; 6.6 [1.0–58.6] vs. 5.5 [1.1–30.4] kg; and 0 [0–30] vs. 0 [0–30] min, respectively). In the TRADITIONAL group, 12 dogs (17%) achieved a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), but none survived to hospital discharge. However, 32 dogs (43%) in the RECOVER group achieved ROSC, and 4 dogs (5%) were discharged from the hospital. Incorporating the RECOVER guidelines into clinical practice significantly improved the ROSC rate (P<0.001). However, the rate of survival to hospital discharge was still low. This may suggest that a superior intensive care unit that provides advanced post-CPA care could benefit veterinary CPR patients.

Improving Community Survival Rates from Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Out of hospital cardiac arrest affects 350,000 Americans yearly and is associated with a high mortality rate. Improving survival rates in this population rests on the prompt and effective implementation of four key principles. These include 1) early recognition of cardiac arrest 2) early use of chest compressions 3) early defibrillation, which in turn emphasizes the importance of public access defibrillation programs and potential for drone technology to allow for early defibrillation in private or rural settings 4) early and aggressive post-arrest care including the consideration of therapeutic hypothermia, early coronary angiography +/- percutaneous coronary intervention and a hyper-invasive approach to out-of-hospital refractory cardiac arrest.

The presence of gasping predicts long-term survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients

BACKGROUND

The presence of gasping in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients predicts short-term prognosis. We performed a retrospective study to evaluate whether the presence of gasping at the time of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) arrival in the case OHCA patients of presumed cardian origin has any impact on six-month survival and/or sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

METHODS

We collected and analyzed Utstein Style data for all patients resuscitated for OHCA of presumed cardiac origin by the EMS of the Central Bohemian Region from July 1^st, 2013 to June 30^th, 2014.

RESULTS

During the data collection period, 565 cases of OHCA of presumed cardiac origin were reported. Gasping at the time of EMS arrival was identified in 23.9%. The presence of gasping was associated with a significantly increased frequency of sustained ROSC (48.1 versus 20.7%, P<0.001) and six-month survival (40.7 versus 16.7%, P<0.001) than in non-breathing patients. Presence of gasping upon EMS arrival has been found to be an independent positive predictor of sustained ROSC (OR 2.51, CI 95% 1.59-3.98, P<0.001). The occurrence of gasping at the time of EMS arrival at the scene was significantly related to response time from EMS activation to arrival.

CONCLUSION

The presence of gasping upon arrival of the EMS for the patient with OHCA of presumed cardiac origin predicts both improves short-term and long-term prognoses.

'She's sort of breathing': What linguistic factors determine call-taker recognition of agonal breathing in emergency calls for cardiac arrest?

BACKGROUND

In emergency ambulance calls, agonal breathing remains a barrier to the recognition of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and rapid dispatch. We aimed to explore whether the language used by callers to describe breathing had an impact on call-taker recognition of agonal breathing and hence cardiac arrest.

METHODS

We analysed 176 calls of paramedic-confirmed OHCA, stratified by recognition of OHCA (89 cases recognised, 87 cases not recognised). We investigated the linguistic features of callers' response to the question "is s/he breathing?" and examined the impact on subsequent coding by call-takers.

RESULTS

Among all cases (recognised and non-recognised), 64% (113/176) of callers said that the patients were breathing (yes-answers). We identified two categories of yes-answers: 56% (63/113) were plain answers, confirming that the patient was breathing ("he's breathing"); and 44% (50/113) were qualified answers, containing additional information ("yes but gasping"). Qualified yes-answers were suggestive of agonal breathing. Yet these answers were often not pursued and most (32/50) of these calls were not recognised as OHCA at dispatch.

CONCLUSION

There is potential for improved recognition of agonal breathing if call-takers are trained to be alert to any qualification following a confirmation that the patient is breathing.

Description of Abnormal Breathing Is Associated With Improved Outcomes and Delayed Telephone Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Instructions

Background

Emergency 9‐1‐1 callers use a wide range of terms to describe abnormal breathing in persons with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). These breathing descriptors can obstruct the telephone cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) process.

Methods and Results

We conducted an observational study of emergency call audio recordings linked to confirmed OHCAs in a statewide Utstein‐style database. Breathing descriptors fell into 1 of 8 groups (eg, gasping, snoring). We divided the study population into groups with and without descriptors for abnormal breathing to investigate the impact of these descriptors on patient outcomes and telephone CPR process. Callers used descriptors in 459 of 2411 cases (19.0%) between October 1, 2010, and December 31, 2014. Survival outcome was better when the caller used a breathing descriptor (19.6% versus 8.8%, P<0.0001), with an odds ratio of 1.63 (95% confidence interval, 1.17–2.25). After exclusions, 379 of 459 cases were eligible for process analysis. When callers described abnormal breathing, the rates of telecommunicator OHCA recognition, CPR instruction, and telephone CPR were lower than when callers did not use a breathing descriptor (79.7% versus 93.0%, P<0.0001; 65.4% versus 72.5%, P=0.0078; and 60.2% versus 66.9%, P=0.0123, respectively). The time interval between call receipt and OHCA recognition was longer when the caller used a breathing descriptor (118.5 versus 73.5 seconds, P<0.0001).

Conclusions

Descriptors of abnormal breathing are associated with improved outcomes but also with delays in the identification of OHCA. Familiarizing telecommunicators with these descriptors may improve the telephone CPR process including OHCA recognition for patients with increased probability of survival.

Detection and quantification of gasping during resuscitation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

AIM

To detect and quantify gasping during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients and to investigate whether gasping is associated with increased return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective observational study in patients resuscitated and mechanically or manually ventilated for OHCA by emergency physicians of Ghent University Hospital. After intubation, pressure catheters were inserted in the endotracheal tube (ETT) and pressures were measured at the proximal and distal ends of the ETT. Gasping was analysed with custom-developed software and volumes were calculated based on pressure differences between the catheters. Data are expressed as median (interquartile range).

RESULTS

Data were collected in 292 resuscitated patients of whom 36.2% achieved ROSC. Seventy-six of 292 (26.0%) patients showed gasping on the pressure curves during resuscitation. The median gasping volume was 274ml (196-434). The median gasping rate was 3.7 gasps/min (1.5-7.3). Gasping occurred significantly more in patients displaying ventricular fibrillation as the initial rhythm compared to patients with pulseless electrical activity, pulseless ventricular tachycardia or asystole. The median gasping rate was significantly higher in the ROSC group compared to the non-ROSC group (11.8 gasps/min (95% CI [4.2, 13.9]) and 2.8 gasps/min (95% CI [1.7, 3.9]) respectively (P<0.001)). A gasping rate of >7.3 gasps/min appeared to be the optimal criterion value to herald ROSC. Deeper negative pressures were associated with an increased incidence of ROSC (P=0.011). There was no significant difference in ROSC between patients with gasping and those without.

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of gasping during CPR was high. Significant gasping volumes were measured. The presence or absence of gasping was not associated with ROSC, but higher gasping rate and deeper negative pressures were.

Cardiocerebral and cardiopulmonary resuscitation - 2017 update

Sudden cardiac arrest is a major public health problem in the industrialized nations of the world. Yet, in spite of recurrent updates of the guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiac care, many areas have suboptimal survival rates. Cardiocerebral resuscitation, a non‐guidelines approach to therapy of primary cardiac arrest based on our animal research, was instituted in Tucson (AZ, USA) in 2002 and subsequently adopted in other areas of the USA. Survival rates of patients with primary cardiac arrest and a shockable rhythm significantly improved wherever it was adopted. Cardiocerebral resuscitation has three components: the community, the pre‐hospital, and the hospital. The community component emphasizes bystander recognition and chest compression only resuscitation. Its pre‐hospital or emergency medical services component emphasizes: (i) urgent initiation of 200 uninterrupted chest compressions before and after each indicated single defibrillation shock, (ii) delayed endotracheal intubation in favor of passive delivery of oxygen by a non‐rebreather mask, (iii) early adrenaline administration. The hospital component was added later. The national and international guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency medical services are still not optimal, for several reasons, including the fact that they continue to recommend the same approach for two entirely different etiologies of cardiac arrest: primary cardiac arrest, often caused by ventricular fibrillation, where the arterial blood oxygenation is little changed at the time of the arrest, and secondary cardiac arrest from severe respiratory insufficiency, where the arterial blood is severely desaturated at the time of cardiac arrest. These different etiologies need different approaches to therapy.

Recognising out-of-hospital cardiac arrest during emergency calls increases bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation and survival

BACKGROUND

Initiation of early bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) depends on bystanders' or medical dispatchers' recognition of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The primary aim of our study was to investigate if OHCA recognition during the emergency call was associated with bystander CPR, return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and 30-day survival. Our secondary aim was to identify patient-, setting-, and dispatcher-related predictors of OHCA recognition.

METHODS

We performed an observational study of all OHCA patients' emergency calls in the Capital Region of Denmark from 01/01/2013-31/12/2013. OHCAs were collected from the Danish Cardiac Arrest Registry and the Mobile Critical Care Unit database. Emergency call recordings were identified and evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied to all OHCAs and witnessed OHCAs only to analyse the association between OHCA recognition and bystander CPR, ROSC, and 30-day survival. Univariable logistic regression analyses were applied to identify predictors of OHCA recognition.

RESULTS

We included 779 emergency calls in the analyses. During the emergency calls, 70.1% (n=534) of OHCAs were recognised; OHCA recognition was positively associated with bystander CPR (odds ratio [OR]=7.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.10-12.05) in all OHCAs; and ROSC (OR=1.86, 95% CI: 1.13-3.06) and 30-day survival (OR=2.80, 95% CI: 1.58-4.96) in witnessed OHCA. Predictors of OHCA recognition were addressing breathing (OR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.17-2.66) and callers located by the patient's side (OR=2.16, 95% CI: 1.46-3.19).

CONCLUSIONS

Recognition of OHCA during emergency calls was positively associated with the provision of bystander CPR, ROSC, and 30-day survival in witnessed OHCA.

Continuous chest compression versus interrupted chest compression for cardiopulmonary resuscitation of non-asphyxial out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

BACKGROUND

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a major cause of death worldwide. Cardiac arrest can be subdivided into asphyxial and non asphyxial etiologies. An asphyxia arrest is caused by lack of oxygen in the blood and occurs in drowning and choking victims and in other circumstances. A non asphyxial arrest is usually a loss of functioning cardiac electrical activity. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a well-established treatment for cardiac arrest. Conventional CPR includes both chest compressions and 'rescue breathing' such as mouth-to-mouth breathing. Rescue breathing is delivered between chest compressions using a fixed ratio, such as two breaths to 30 compressions or can be delivered asynchronously without interrupting chest compression. Studies show that applying continuous chest compressions is critical for survival and interrupting them for rescue breathing might increase risk of death. Continuous chest compression CPR may be performed with or without rescue breathing.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of continuous chest compression CPR (with or without rescue breathing) versus conventional CPR plus rescue breathing (interrupted chest compression with pauses for breaths) of non-asphyxial OHCA.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; Issue 1 2017); MEDLINE (Ovid) (from 1985 to February 2017); Embase (1985 to February 2017); Web of Science (1985 to February 2017). We searched ongoing trials databases including controlledtrials.com and clinicaltrials.gov. We did not impose any language or publication restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized and quasi-randomized studies in adults and children suffering non-asphyxial OHCA due to any cause. Studies compared the effects of continuous chest compression CPR (with or without rescue breathing) with interrupted CPR plus rescue breathing provided by rescuers (bystanders or professional CPR providers).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors extracted the data and summarized the effects as risk ratios (RRs), adjusted risk differences (ARDs) or mean differences (MDs). We assessed the quality of evidence using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We included three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one cluster-RCT (with a total of 26,742 participants analysed). We identified one ongoing study. While predominantly adult patients, one study included children. Untrained bystander-administered CPRThree studies assessed CPR provided by untrained bystanders in urban areas of the USA, Sweden and the UK. Bystanders administered CPR under telephone instruction from emergency services. There was an unclear risk of selection bias in two trials and low risk of detection, attrition, and reporting bias in all three trials. Survival outcomes were unlikely to be affected by the unblinded design of the studies.We found high-quality evidence that continuous chest compression CPR without rescue breathing improved participants' survival to hospital discharge compared with interrupted chest compression with pauses for rescue breathing (ratio 15:2) by 2.4% (14% versus 11.6%; RR 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01 to 1.46; 3 studies, 3031 participants).One trial reported survival to hospital admission, but the number of participants was too low to be certain about the effects of the different treatment strategies on survival to admission(RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.48; 1 study, 520 participants; moderate-quality evidence).There were no data available for survival at one year, quality of life, return of spontaneous circulation or adverse effects.There was insufficient evidence to determine the effect of the different strategies on neurological outcomes at hospital discharge (RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.66; 1 study, 1286 participants; moderate-quality evidence). The proportion of participants categorized as having good or moderate cerebral performance was 11% following treatment with interrupted chest compression plus rescue breathing compared with 10% to 18% for those treated with continuous chest compression CPR without rescue breathing. CPR administered by a trained professional In one trial that assessed OHCA CPR administered by emergency medical service professionals (EMS) 23,711 participants received either continuous chest compression CPR (100/minute) with asynchronous rescue breathing (10/minute) or interrupted chest compression with pauses for rescue breathing (ratio 30:2). The study was at low risk of bias overall.After OHCA, risk of survival to hospital discharge is probably slightly lower for continuous chest compression CPR with asynchronous rescue breathing compared with interrupted chest compression plus rescue breathing (9.0% versus 9.7%) with an adjusted risk difference (ARD) of -0.7%; 95% CI (-1.5% to 0.1%); moderate-quality evidence.There is high-quality evidence that survival to hospital admission is 1.3% lower with continuous chest compression CPR with asynchronous rescue breathing compared with interrupted chest compression plus rescue breathing (24.6% versus 25.9%; ARD -1.3% 95% CI (-2.4% to -0.2%)).Survival at one year and quality of life were not reported.Return of spontaneous circulation is likely to be slightly lower in people treated with continuous chest compression CPR plus asynchronous rescue breathing (24.2% versus 25.3%; -1.1% (95% CI -2.4 to 0.1)), high-quality evidence.There is high-quality evidence of little or no difference in neurological outcome at discharge between these two interventions (7.0% versus 7.7%; ARD -0.6% (95% CI -1.4 to 0.1).Rates of adverse events were 54.4% in those treated with continuous chest compressions plus asynchronous rescue breathing versus 55.4% in people treated with interrupted chest compression plus rescue breathing compared with the ARD being -1% (-2.3 to 0.4), moderate-quality evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Following OHCA, we have found that bystander-administered chest compression-only CPR, supported by telephone instruction, increases the proportion of people who survive to hospital discharge compared with conventional interrupted chest compression CPR plus rescue breathing. Some uncertainty remains about how well neurological function is preserved in this population and there is no information available regarding adverse effects.When CPR was performed by EMS providers, continuous chest compressions plus asynchronous rescue breathing did not result in higher rates for survival to hospital discharge compared to interrupted chest compression plus rescue breathing. The results indicate slightly lower rates of survival to admission or discharge, favourable neurological outcome and return of spontaneous circulation observed following continuous chest compression. Adverse effects are probably slightly lower with continuous chest compression.Increased availability of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and AED use in CPR need to be examined, and also whether continuous chest compression CPR is appropriate for paediatric cardiac arrest.

Features of hospital and emergency medical service in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with shockable rhythm

OBJECTIVE

Predicting the outcome of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients is crucial. We examined hospital characteristics and parameters of emergency medical service (including scene time interval and direct ambulance delivery to intensive heart hospitals) as survival or outcome predictors.

STUDY DESIGN

Data from 546 consecutive OHCA shockable patients treated between January 2012 and December 2015 in Taoyuan City (Taiwan, ROC) were collected. In addition to demographic data, location of arrest, initial rhythm, availability of a hospital with or without 24/7 percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), emergency medical service (EMS) time, provision of cardiopulmonary resuscitation by a bystander, presence of a witness at collapse, and level of life support were analysed.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis showed that hospitalisation with immediate PCI availability was an independent predictor (OR: 4.32; 95% CI: 1.27-14.70) solely for the outcome of survival until discharge. The presence of a witness while collapsing (OR: 3.52; 95% CI: 1.03-11.98), EMS response time (OR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.70-0.98), and scene time interval (STI; OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.81-0.99) were valuable for predicting the neurological outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Direct ambulance delivery to intensive heart hospitals that had 24/7 PCI availability was associated with a higher probability of surviving until discharge in OHCA patients with shockable rhythms. Similarly, a witnessed collapse was correlated with being discharged alive from hospital and recovering with good cerebral performance. In addition, longer response time and scene time interval indicated poorer survival and neurological outcome.

Effect of bystander CPR initiation prior to the emergency call on ROSC and 30day survival-An evaluation of 548 emergency calls

BACKGROUND

This study aimed at evaluating if time for initiation of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) - prior to the emergency call (CPR_prior) versus during the emergency call following dispatcher-assisted CPR (CPR_during) - was associated with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and 30-day survival. The secondary aim was to identify predictors of CPR_prior.

METHODS

This observational study evaluated out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) occurring in the Capital Region of Denmark from 01.01.2013 to 31.12.2013. OHCAs were linked to emergency medical dispatch centre records and corresponding emergency calls were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied to evaluate the association between time for initiation of bystander CPR, ROSC, and 30-day survival. Univariable logistic regression analyses were applied to identify predictors of CPR_prior.

RESULTS

The study included 548 emergency calls for OHCA patients receiving bystander CPR, 34.9% (n=191) in the CPR_prior group and 65.1% (n=357) in the CPR_during group. Multivariable analyses showed no difference in ROSC (OR=0.88, 95% CI: 0.56-1.38) or 30-day survival (OR=1.14, 95% CI: 0.68-1.92) between CPR_prior and CPR_during. Predictors positively associated with CPR_prior included witnessed OHCA and healthcare professional bystanders. Predictors negatively associated with CPR_prior included residential location, solitary bystanders, and bystanders related to the patient.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of bystander CPR (65%) was initiated during the emergency call, following dispatcher-assisted CPR instructions. Whether bystander CPR was initiated prior to emergency call versus during the emergency call following dispatcher-assisted CPR was not associated with ROSC or 30-day survival. Dispatcher-assisted CPR was especially beneficial for the initiation of bystander CPR in residential areas.

DARE Train-the-Trainer Pedagogy Development Using 2-Round Delphi Methodology

The Dispatcher-Assisted first REsponder programme aims to equip the public with skills to perform hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). By familiarising them with instructions given by a medical dispatcher during an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest call, they will be prepared and empowered to react in an emergency. We aim to formalise curriculum and standardise the way information is conveyed to the participants. A panel of 20 experts were chosen. Using Delphi methodology, selected issues were classified into open-ended and close-ended questions. Consensus for an item was established at a 70% agreement rate within the panel. Questions that had 60%–69% agreement were edited and sent to the panel for another round of voting. After 2 rounds of voting, 70 consensus statements were agreed upon. These covered the following: focus of CPR; qualities and qualifications of trainers; recognition of agonal breathing; head-tilt-chin lift; landmark for chest compression; performance of CPR when injuries are present; trainers' involvement in training lay people; modesty of female patients during CPR; AED usage; content of trainer's manual; addressing of questions and answers; updates-dissemination to trainers and attendance of refresher courses. Recommendations for pedagogy for trainers of dispatcher-assisted CPR programmes were developed.

Is It Possible to Maintain Consciousness and Spontaneous Ventilation with Chest Compression in the Early Phase of Cardiac Arrest?

Chest compression is important in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. However, life support algorithms do not specify when chest compression should be initiated in patients with persistent spontaneous normal breathing in the early phase after cardiac arrest. Here we describe the case of a 69-year-old man who underwent femoral bypass surgery and was extubated at the end of the procedure. After extubation, the patient's breathing pattern and respiratory rate were normal. The patient subsequently developed ventricular fibrillation, evident on two monitors. Because defibrillation was ineffective, chest compression was initiated even though the patient had spontaneous normal breathing and defensive motor reflexes, which were continued throughout resuscitation. He regained consciousness and underwent tracheal extubation without neurological sequelae on postoperative day 1. This case highlights the necessity of chest compression in the early phase of cardiac arrest.

Advancing resuscitation science

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To describe an alternative approach for improving survival of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The survival of patients with OHCA has been poor and relatively unchanged for decades in spite of recurrent national and international guidelines. Although there are exceptions, many thought and continue to think that any change in the guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be based on randomized controlled trials in humans. However, many factors, including the need for informed consent, the marked variability of patients, and the variability of the type and quality of bystander and advanced resuscitation efforts, all make such studies problematic. Thus, potentially life-saving procedures are often withheld for decades, resulting in unnecessary loss of life.

RECENT FINDINGS

Many improvements in public health conditions have been made using models of continuous quality improvement. When applied to resuscitation science, once baseline data are obtained, changes based on reliable experimental findings are instituted and outcomes measured. This approach has now been shown to result in significant improvement in neurologically intact survival of patients with OHCA.

SUMMARY

Following this model, we found significant improvement in survival of patients with a witnessed OHCA primary cardiac arrest.

Dispatch-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation: the anchor link in the chain of survival

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Early bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) provides a vital bridge after collapse from cardiac arrest until defibrillation can be performed. However, due to multiple barriers and despite large-scale public CPR training, this life-saving therapy is still not rendered in a majority of cardiac arrest events. As a result, cardiac arrest survival remains very low in most communities.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several large-scale studies have shown the benefits of dispatch-assisted CPR. These studies have confirmed that on-going dispatch-assisted CPR programs that use a simplified and abbreviated set of standardized questions can hasten the recognition of cardiac arrest. Dispatchers can also utilize strategies to help bystanders overcome the obstacles to beginning CPR. In some communities, dispatch-assisted CPR accounts for up to half of all bystander CPR. Dispatch-assisted CPR programs combined with large-scale public CPR training may be what is needed to elevate CPR rates and survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest nationally.

SUMMARY

This review focuses on the rationale and evolving science behind dispatch CPR instructions, as well as some best practices for implementing and measuring dispatch-assisted CPR with the goal of maximizing its potential to save lives from sudden cardiac arrest.

The association of gasping and outcome, in out of hospital cardiac arrest: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Gasping is common after cardiac arrest, and its frequency decreases over time. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the association of gasping and survival to discharge in patients who suffered out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

METHODS

Relevant studies were identified by searching in PubMed, Medline, Embase, OVID, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess the association of gasping and on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes. Heterogeneity, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and publication bias were explored.

RESULTS

Individual patient data was obtained from 10,797 participants suffered out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in five cohort studies of 4 articles. A fixed effects model suggested that patients with gasping were 3.525 times (95% CI: 3.028-4.104; P<0.01) more likely to survive to discharge than those without gasping, and there was no heterogeneity among studies (P=0.564). Also it may be a favorable factor for return of spontaneous circulation (RR: 2.170; 95% CI: 1.691, 2.785) with high heterogeneity (Q=5.26; P=0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of this meta-analysis demonstrated that gasping is common after cardiac arrest, and is associated with increased survival to discharge. Patients who are cardiac arrest with gasping should be promptly resuscitated.

Implementation of a dispatch-instruction protocol for cardiopulmonary resuscitation according to various abnormal breathing patterns: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

We modified the dispatch protocol for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using results of a retrospective analysis that identified descriptions by laypersons of possible patterns of agonal respiration. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of this modified protocol by comparing the frequency of dispatch instructions for CPR and bystander CPR before and after protocol implementation. We also identified descriptions of abnormal breathing patterns among 'Not in cardiac arrest (CA)' unresponsive cases.

METHODS

This study was conducted prospectively using the population-based registry of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs). For 8 months we implemented this modified protocol in cooperation with 4 fire departments that cover regions with a total population of 840,000.

RESULTS

There were 478 and 427 OHCAs before and after implementation, respectively. Among them, 69 and 71 layperson-witnessed OHCAs for pre- and post-implementation, respectively, were analyzed. Dispatchers provided CPR instructions more frequently after protocol implementation than before (55/71 [77.5 %] vs. 41/69 [59.4 %], p < 0.05). Based on breathing patterns described by emergency callers, dispatchers assessed 143 'Not in CA' unresponsive cases and provided CPR instruction for 45 cases. Sensitivity and specificity of this protocol was 93 % and 50 %, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This modified protocol based on abnormal breathing described by laypersons significantly increased CPR instructions. Considering high sensitivity and low specificity for abnormal breathing to identify CA and the low risk of chest compression for 'Not in CA' cases, our study suggested that dispatchers can provide CPR instruction assertively and safely for those unresponsive individuals with various abnormal breathing patterns.