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This is the eighth annual summary of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations; a more comprehensive review was done in 2020. This latest summary addresses the most recent published resuscitation evidence reviewed by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation task force science experts. Members from 6 International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation task forces have assessed, discussed, and debated the quality of the evidence, using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria, and their statements include consensus treatment recommendations. Insights into the deliberations of the task forces are provided in the Justification and Evidence-to-Decision Framework Highlights sections. In addition, the task forces list priority knowledge gaps for further research.

Codeveloped by the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross, these guidelines represent the first comprehensive update of first aid treatment recommendations since 2010. Incorporating the results of structured evidence reviews from the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation, these guidelines cover first aid treatment for critical and common medical, traumatic, environmental, and toxicological conditions. This update emphasizes the continuous evolution of evidence evaluation and the necessity of adapting educational strategies to local needs and diverse community demographics. Existing guidelines remain relevant unless specifically updated in this publication. Key topics that are new, are substantially revised, or have significant new literature include opioid overdose, bleeding control, open chest wounds, spinal motion restriction, hypothermia, frostbite, presyncope, anaphylaxis, snakebite, oxygen administration, and the use of pulse oximetry in first aid, with the inclusion of pediatric-specific guidance as warranted.

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased job vacancies in Canadian intensive care units (ICUs). We aimed to identify, explore, and describe factors contributing to the decisions of health care workers to leave, or strongly consider leaving their ICU positions during the peri-COVID-19 pandemic era., Methods: We undertook a qualitative descriptive study between June and August 2022. We conducted semistructured interviews with 19 registered nurses and one respiratory therapist from a single ICU in Alberta, Canada who had left, or had strongly considered leaving their ICU position since the beginning of the pandemic. We used Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis to generate themes from these interviews., Results: We identified five themes to describe the factors that contributed to participants' decisions to leave, or strongly consider leaving, their ICU positions. These were: 1) toxic workplace, 2) inadequate staffing, 3) distress from providing nonbeneficial care, 4) caring for patients with COVID-19 and their families, and 5) paradoxical responses to COVID-19 outside of the ICU. Some of these factors existed before the pandemic and were exacerbated by it, while others were novel to COVID-19., Conclusions: Participants described as key factors in their decision or desire to leave their ICU positions the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on workplace culture, staffing, and patient interactions, as well as the discourse surrounding COVID-19 outside of work. Strategies that target workplace culture and ensure adequate staffing should be prioritized to promote staff retention following the pandemic., (© 2024. Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society.)

Introduction: This study aimed to i) identify the care needs of families experiencing cardiac arrest; and ii) co-identify strategies for meeting the identified care needs. Cardiac arrest survivors and family members (of survivors and non-survivors) were engaged as "experience experts," collaborators and co-researchers in this study., Methods: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews of cardiac arrest survivors and family members was conducted. Participants were recruited from the membership of the Family Centred Cardiac Arrest Care Project. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using Framework analysis., Results: Twenty-eight participants described 22 unique cardiac arrest events. We identified five primary care need themes: 1) "Help us help our loved one"; 2) "Work with us as a cohesive team"; 3) "See us: treat us with humanity and dignity"; 4) "Address our family's ongoing emergency"; and 5) "Help us to heal after the cardiac arrest" as well as 29 subordinate care need themes. We performed touchpoint mapping to identify key moments of interaction between patients and families, and the health system to highlight potential areas for improvement, as well as strategies for meeting family care needs., Conclusion: Our participants identified varied family care needs during and long after cardiac arrest. Fortunately, many proposed strategies are inexpensive and have low barriers to adoption. However, some unmet care needs identified suggest larger systemic issues such as service gaps that leave families feeling abandoned and isolated. Overall, our findings suggest that care during and after cardiac arrest are critical components of a comprehensive cardiac arrest care system., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation engages in a continuous review of new, peer-reviewed, published cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid science. Draft Consensus on Science With Treatment Recommendations are posted online throughout the year, and this annual summary provides more concise versions of the final Consensus on Science With Treatment Recommendations from all task forces for the year. Topics addressed by systematic reviews this year include resuscitation of cardiac arrest from drowning, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for adults and children, calcium during cardiac arrest, double sequential defibrillation, neuroprognostication after cardiac arrest for adults and children, maintaining normal temperature after preterm birth, heart rate monitoring methods for diagnostics in neonates, detection of exhaled carbon dioxide in neonates, family presence during resuscitation of adults, and a stepwise approach to resuscitation skills training. Members from 6 International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation task forces have assessed, discussed, and debated the quality of the evidence, using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria, and their statements include consensus treatment recommendations. Insights into the deliberations of the task forces are provided in the Justification and Evidence-to-Decision Framework Highlights sections. In addition, the task forces list priority knowledge gaps for further research. Additional topics are addressed with scoping reviews and evidence updates., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation engages in a continuous review of new, peer-reviewed, published cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid science. Draft Consensus on Science With Treatment Recommendations are posted online throughout the year, and this annual summary provides more concise versions of the final Consensus on Science With Treatment Recommendations from all task forces for the year. Topics addressed by systematic reviews this year include resuscitation of cardiac arrest from drowning, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for adults and children, calcium during cardiac arrest, double sequential defibrillation, neuroprognostication after cardiac arrest for adults and children, maintaining normal temperature after preterm birth, heart rate monitoring methods for diagnostics in neonates, detection of exhaled carbon dioxide in neonates, family presence during resuscitation of adults, and a stepwise approach to resuscitation skills training. Members from 6 International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation task forces have assessed, discussed, and debated the quality of the evidence, using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria, and their statements include consensus treatment recommendations. Insights into the deliberations of the task forces are provided in the Justification and Evidence-to-Decision Framework Highlights sections. In addition, the task forces list priority knowledge gaps for further research. Additional topics are addressed with scoping reviews and evidence updates.

Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Introduction: Cardiac arrest care systems are being designed and implemented to address patients', family members', and survivors' care needs. We conducted a systematic review and a meta-synthesis to understand family experiences and care needs during cardiac arrest care to create treatment recommendations., Methods: We searched eight electronic databases to identify articles. Study findings were extracted, coded and synthesized. Confidence in the quality, coherence, relevance, and adequacy of data underpinning the resulting findings was assessed using GRADE-CERQual methods., Results: In total 4181 studies were screened, and 39 met our inclusion criteria; these studies enrolled 215 survivors and 418 family participants-which includes both co-survivors and bereaved family members. From these studies findings and participant data we identified 5 major analytical themes: (1) When the crisis begins we must respond; (2) Anguish from uncertainty, we need to understand; (3) Partnering in care, we have much to offer; (4) The crisis surrounding the victim, ignore us, the family, no longer; (5) Our family's emergency is not over, now is when we need help the most. Confidence in the evidence statements are provided along with our review findings., Discussion: The family experience of cardiac arrest care is often chaotic, distressing, complex and the aftereffects are long-lasting. Patient and family experiences could be improved for many people. High certainty family care needs identified in this review include rapid recognition and response, improved information sharing, more effective communication, supported presence and participation, or supported absence, and psychological aftercare., (Copyright © 2023 Emergency Nurses Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: Disclosures Dr Chan has received research funding from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Dr Djärv is the chair of Swedish Resuscitation Council and the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) First Aid Task Force. A. Doll is employed by the Resuscitation Academy. Dr Edelson has equity interest and employment in AgileMD. Dr Girotra receives funding from the National Institutes of Health (R01HL160734, R56HL158803, and R01HL166305). He also receives a stipend from AHA for editorial work. Dr Greif is chair of ILCOR Education, Implementation and Team Task Force and the European Resuscitation Council board birector of guidelines. Dr Lauridsen serves as an ERC Science and Education Committee member and member of the ILCOR EIT Task Force. Dr Moskowitz receives funding from NHLBI (R33HL162980). M.C. Myburgh serves on the ILCOR Pediatric Task Force. Dr Neumar is the ILCOR cochair. J.P. Nolan is the editor in chief of Resuscitation and receives National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) grant funding. Dr Olasveengen is a board member of the Laerdal Foundation. Dr Perkins receives grant funding from the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands, Resuscitation Council United Kingdom, Laerdal Foundation, and the British Heart Foundation and serves on the boards for the European Resuscitation Council, Resuscitation Council UK, ILCOR, and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire. He also serves as an editor for Resuscitation and Resuscitation Plus. J.K. Previdi serves as the AHA Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee chair and is an AHA product consultant. Dr Vaillancourt is a member of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada Resuscitation Advisory Committee and receives funding from The Ottawa Hospital Academic Medical Organization. Dr Montgomery serves as the ILCOR consultant. Dr Sasson is employed by AHA. Dr Nallamothu has been a principal investigator or coinvestigator on research grants from the NIH, AHA, Janssen, and Apple, Inc. He also receives compensation as an editor in chief of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. Finally, he is a coinventor on the US Utility Patent Number US15/356012 (US20170148158A1) entitled “Automated Analysis of Vasculature in Coronary Angiograms” that uses software technology with signal processing and machine learning to automate the reading of coronary angiograms, held by the University of Michigan. The patent is licensed to AngioInsight, Inc, in which he holds ownership shares and receives consultancy fees. Dr Nadkarni receives research funding to his institution from the National Institutes of Health, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, US Department of Defense, American Heart Association, Zoll Medical, RQI Partners, and Laerdal Foundation; he also serves as the President of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) 2023-2024. The views expressed in the manuscript are his, and not intended to represent the views of the SCCM. The other authors report no conflicts.

Background: Swift recognition of cardiac arrest is required for survival, however failure to recognize (and delayed response) is common. Studying online cardiac arrest videos may aid recognition, however the ethical implications of this are unknown. We examined their use from the perspective of persons with lived experience of cardiac arrest, seeking to understand the experience of having one's cardiac arrest recorded and available online., Methods: We gathered qualitative data using focused interviews of persons affected by cardiac arrest. Inductive thematic analysis was performed, as well as a deductive ethical analysis. Co-researcher survivors and co-survivors were involved in all stages of this project., Findings: We identified themes of 'shock, hurt and helplessness' and 'surreality and reality' to describe the experience of having one's (or a family member's) cardiac arrest captured and distributed online. Participants provided guidance on the use of online videos for education and research, emphasising beneficence, autonomy, non-maleficence, and justice., Conclusions: Finding one's own, or a family member's cardiac arrest video online is shocking and potentially harmful for families. If ethical principles are followed however, there may be acceptable procedures for the use of online videos of cardiac arrest for education or research purposes. The careful use of online videos of cardiac arrest for education and research may help improve recognition and response, though additional research is required to confirm or refute this claim., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Objectives: The objectives of this project were to collect and analyze clinical governance documents related to family-centred care and cardiac arrest care in Canadian EMS organizations; and to improve the family-centredness of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest care through experience-based co-design., Methods: We conducted qualitative document analysis of Canadian EMS clinical governance documents related to family-centred and cardiac arrest care, combining elements of content and thematic analysis methods. We then used experience-based co-design to develop a family-centred out-of-hospital cardiac arrest care policy and procedure template., Results: Thirty-five Canadian EMS organizations responded to our requests, representing service area coverage for 80% of the Canadian population. Twenty documents were obtained for review and six overarching themes were identified: addressing family in event of in-home death, importance of family, family member escort, provider discretion and family presence discouraged. Informed by our qualitative analysis we then co-designed a policy and procedure template was created that prioritizes patient care while promotes family-centredness., Conclusions: There were few directives to support family-centred care by Canadian EMS organizations. A family-centred out-of-hospital cardiac arrest care policy and procedure template was developed using experience-based co-design to assist EMS organizations improve the family-centredness of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest care., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

This is the sixth annual summary of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations. This summary addresses the most recently published resuscitation evidence reviewed by International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation Task Force science experts. Topics covered by systematic reviews include cardiopulmonary resuscitation during transport; approach to resuscitation after drowning; passive ventilation; minimizing pauses during cardiopulmonary resuscitation; temperature management after cardiac arrest; use of diagnostic point-of-care ultrasound during cardiac arrest; use of vasopressin and corticosteroids during cardiac arrest; coronary angiography after cardiac arrest; public-access defibrillation devices for children; pediatric early warning systems; maintaining normal temperature immediately after birth; suctioning of amniotic fluid at birth; tactile stimulation for resuscitation immediately after birth; use of continuous positive airway pressure for respiratory distress at term birth; respiratory and heart rate monitoring in the delivery room; supraglottic airway use in neonates; prearrest prediction of in-hospital cardiac arrest mortality; basic life support training for likely rescuers of high-risk populations; effect of resuscitation team training; blended learning for life support training; training and recertification for resuscitation instructors; and recovery position for maintenance of breathing and prevention of cardiac arrest. Members from 6 task forces have assessed, discussed, and debated the quality of the evidence using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria and generated consensus treatment recommendations. Insights into the deliberations of the task forces are provided in the Justification and Evidence-to-Decision Framework Highlights sections, and priority knowledge gaps for future research are listed., (Copyright © 2023 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.)

This is the sixth annual summary of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations. This summary addresses the most recently published resuscitation evidence reviewed by International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation Task Force science experts. Topics covered by systematic reviews include cardiopulmonary resuscitation during transport; approach to resuscitation after drowning; passive ventilation; minimizing pauses during cardiopulmonary resuscitation; temperature management after cardiac arrest; use of diagnostic point-of-care ultrasound during cardiac arrest; use of vasopressin and corticosteroids during cardiac arrest; coronary angiography after cardiac arrest; public-access defibrillation devices for children; pediatric early warning systems; maintaining normal temperature immediately after birth; suctioning of amniotic fluid at birth; tactile stimulation for resuscitation immediately after birth; use of continuous positive airway pressure for respiratory distress at term birth; respiratory and heart rate monitoring in the delivery room; supraglottic airway use in neonates; prearrest prediction of in-hospital cardiac arrest mortality; basic life support training for likely rescuers of high-risk populations; effect of resuscitation team training; blended learning for life support training; training and recertification for resuscitation instructors; and recovery position for maintenance of breathing and prevention of cardiac arrest. Members from 6 task forces have assessed, discussed, and debated the quality of the evidence using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria and generated consensus treatment recommendations. Insights into the deliberations of the task forces are provided in the Justification and Evidence-to-Decision Framework Highlights sections, and priority knowledge gaps for future research are listed.

Aim: To conduct a systematic review of the use of the recovery position in adults and children with non-traumatic decreased levels of responsiveness changes outcomes in comparison with other positioning strategies., Methods: We searched Medline (Ovid), Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, medRxiv and Google Scholar from inception to 15 March 2021 for studies involving adults and children in an out-of-hospital, first aid setting who had reduced levels of responsiveness of non-traumatic aetiology but did not require resuscitative interventions. We used the ROBINS-I tool to assess risk of bias and GRADE methodology to determine the certainty of evidence., Results: Of 17,947 citations retrieved, three prospective observational studies and four case series were included. The prone and semi-recumbent positions were associated with a decreased rate of suspected aspiration pneumonia in acute poisoning. Use of the recovery position in paediatric patients with decreased levels of responsiveness was associated with a deceased admission rate and the prone position was the position most commonly associated with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. High risk of bias, imprecision and indirectness of evidence limited our ability to perform pooled analyses., Conclusion: We identified a limited number of observational studies and case series comparing outcomes following use of the recovery position with outcomes when other patient positions were used. There was limited evidence to support or revise existing first aid guidance; however, greater emphasis on the initial assessment of responsiveness and need for CPR, as well as the detection and management of patient deterioration of a person identified with decreased responsiveness, is recommended., Competing Interests: The ILCOR Continuous Evidence Evaluation process is guided by a rigorous ILCOR Conflict of Interest policy. No Task Force members nor other authors were recused from the discussion due to a declared a conflict of interest. No Task Force members or other authors declared an intellectual conflict of interest., (© 2022 Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Introduction: The first clinical interaction most patients have in the emergency department occurs during triage. An unstructured narrative is generated during triage and is the first source of in-hospital documentation. These narratives capture the patient's reported reason for the visit and the initial assessment and offer significantly more nuanced descriptions of the patient's complaints than fixed field data. Previous research demonstrated these data are useful for predicting important clinical outcomes. Previous reviews examined these narratives in combination or isolation with other free-text sources, but used restricted searches and are becoming outdated. Furthermore, there are no reviews focused solely on nurses' (the primary collectors of these data) narratives., Methods and Analysis: Using the Arksey and O'Malley scoping review framework and PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines, we will perform structured searches of CINAHL, Ovid MEDLINE, ProQuest Central, Ovid Embase and Cochrane Library (via Wiley). Additionally, we will forward citation searches of all included studies. No geographical or study design exclusion criteria will be used. Studies examining disaster triage, published before 1990, and non-English language literature will be excluded. Data will be managed using online management tools; extracted data will be independently confirmed by a separate reviewer using prepiloted extraction forms. Cohen's kappa will be used to examine inter-rater agreement on pilot and final screening. Quantitative data will be expressed using measures of range and central tendency, counts, proportions and percentages, as appropriate. Qualitative data will be narrative summaries of the authors' primary findings., Patient and Public Involvement: No patients involved., Ethics and Dissemination: No ethics approval is required. Findings will be submitted to peer-reviewed conferences and journals. Results will be disseminated using individual and institutional social media platforms., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation is foundational to cardiac arrest care. Visual feedback devices can improve chest compression quality, but are infrequently used. Quality improvement data were examined to determine whether handheld visual feedback and backboard use improved chest compression quality, whether resuscitation team size affected resuscitation indicators, and whether feedback sources are comparable., Methods: From August 2019 to December 2020, data from 50 resuscitations were collected using a handheld device (n = 35), defibrillator (n = 23), and surveys (n = 35) and shared with providers. Aggregated and individual case data, along with education and research, were distributed to staff as quality improvement measures., Results: The mean duration of resuscitation was 1080 compressions (SD = 858); there were no differences in the durations of resuscitations that did or did not use handheld feedback; 50% of resuscitations used handheld feedback and had more compressions at target rate (74.68% vs 42.18%, t (21) = 2.99, P = .007). Moreover, 25% of resuscitations used backboards; these had more chest compressions at target depth (72.92% vs 48.73%, t (25) = 2.08, P = .048). Team size was not associated with duration of resuscitation or chest compressions quality. There was no improvement in other quality indicators (leadership, family presence, or debriefing) during the data collection period. Feedback sources (defibrillator and feedback device) had good agreement and correlation (r = 0.77, P = .01)., Conclusions: Incorporating handheld feedback and backboards improved chest compressions quality. Further work to improve the frequency of device use and to examine their relationship to patient-specific outcomes is needed. Study is needed to find interventions that improve other teamwork metrics, inclusion of family during the resuscitation, referral for tissue donation, and rates of postevent debriefing., (Copyright © 2021 Emergency Nurses Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation initiated a continuous review of new, peer-reviewed published cardiopulmonary resuscitation science. This is the fifth annual summary of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations; a more comprehensive review was done in 2020. This latest summary addresses the most recently published resuscitation evidence reviewed by International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation task force science experts. Topics covered by systematic reviews in this summary include resuscitation topics of video-based dispatch systems; head-up cardiopulmonary resuscitation; early coronary angiography after return of spontaneous circulation; cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the prone patient; cord management at birth for preterm and term infants; devices for administering positive-pressure ventilation at birth; family presence during neonatal resuscitation; self-directed, digitally based basic life support education and training in adults and children; coronavirus disease 2019 infection risk to rescuers from patients in cardiac arrest; and first aid topics, including cooling with water for thermal burns, oral rehydration for exertional dehydration, pediatric tourniquet use, and methods of tick removal. Members from 6 International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation task forces have assessed, discussed, and debated the quality of the evidence, according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria, and their statements include consensus treatment recommendations or good practice statements. Insights into the deliberations of the task forces are provided in Justification and Evidence-to-Decision Framework Highlights sections. In addition, the task forces listed priority knowledge gaps for further research.

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation initiated a continuous review of new, peer-reviewed published cardiopulmonary resuscitation science. This is the fifth annual summary of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations; a more comprehensive review was done in 2020. This latest summary addresses the most recently published resuscitation evidence reviewed by International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation task force science experts. Topics covered by systematic reviews in this summary include resuscitation topics of video-based dispatch systems; head-up cardiopulmonary resuscitation; early coronary angiography after return of spontaneous circulation; cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the prone patient; cord management at birth for preterm and term infants; devices for administering positive-pressure ventilation at birth; family presence during neonatal resuscitation; self-directed, digitally based basic life support education and training in adults and children; coronavirus disease 2019 infection risk to rescuers from patients in cardiac arrest; and first aid topics, including cooling with water for thermal burns, oral rehydration for exertional dehydration, pediatric tourniquet use, and methods of tick removal. Members from 6 International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation task forces have assessed, discussed, and debated the quality of the evidence, according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria, and their statements include consensus treatment recommendations or good practice statements. Insights into the deliberations of the task forces are provided in Justification and Evidence-to-Decision Framework Highlights sections. In addition, the task forces listed priority knowledge gaps for further research., (Copyright © 2021 European Resuscitation Council, American Heart Association, Inc. and International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aim: The sudden and unexpected cardiac arrest of a family member can be a grief-filled and life-altering event. Every year many hundreds of thousands of families experience the cardiac arrest of a family member. However, care of the family during the cardiac arrest and afteris poorly understood and incompletely described. This review has been performed with persons with lived experience of cardiac arrest to describe, "What are the needs of families experiencing cardiac arrest?" from the moment of collapse until the outcome is known., Methods: This review was guided by specific methodological framework and reporting items (PRISMA-ScR) as well as best practices in patient and public involvement in research and reporting (GRIPP2). A search strategy was developed for eight online databases and a grey literature review. Two reviewers independently assessed all articles for inclusion and extracted relevant study information., Results: We included 47 articles examining the experience and care needs of families experiencing cardiac arrest of a family member. Forty one articles were analysed as six represented duplicate data. Ten family care need themes were identified across five domains. The domains and themes transcended cardiac arrest setting, aetiology, family-member age and family composition. The five domains were i) focus on the family member in cardiac arrest, ii) collaboration of the resuscitation team and family, iii) consideration of family context, iv) family post-resuscitation needs, and v) dedicated policies and procedures. We propose a conceptual model of family centred cardiac arrest., Conclusion: Our review provides a comprehensive mapping and description of the experience of families and their care needs during the cardiac arrest of a family-member. Furthermore, our review was conducted with co-investigators and collaborators with lived experience of cardiac arrest (survivors and family members of survivors and non-survivors alike). The conceptual framework of family centred cardiac arrest care presented may aid resuscitation scientists and providers in adopting greater family centeredness to their work., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: In response to a facility-wide COVID-19 outbreak, our tertiary acute care hospital implemented an evidence-based bundle of infection control practices including the use of audits and trained observers "dofficers" to provide real-time constructive feedback., Methods: We trained furloughed staff to perform the role of dofficer. They offered support and corrective feedback on proper PPE use and completed 21-point audits during a 4-week intervention period. Audits tracked appropriate signage, placement and availability of supplies (equipment), correct PPE use, enhanced environmental cleaning, along with cohorting and social distancing rates. Audit data was used to provide weekly quality improvement reports to units., Results: Nine hundred and sixty two separate audits recorded 36,948 observations, over 7,696 observer-hours. The most common errors were with environmental cleaning and PPE use; the least common were with regards to equipment availability and cohorting and social distancing. Mean error rates decreased from 9.81% to 2.88% (P < .001). The largest reduction, 22.57%, occurred in the category of PPE doffing errors., Conclusions: Dofficer led audits effectively identified areas for improvement. Feedback through weekly reports and real-time correction of PPE errors by dofficers led to statistically significant improvements; however, error rates remained high. Further research is needed establish if these relationships are causal., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death. Family members often witness the event and attempt resuscitation. The physiological and psychological impact of a loved one's death, witnessed or unwitnessed, can be significant and long-lasting. However, little is known about the care needs of families during the cardiac arrest care of a loved one. This scoping review protocol was designed with, and will be performed in partnership with, persons with lived experience of sudden cardiac arrest (survivors and family members of survivors and nonsurvivors alike)., Methods: The review will be performed in accordance with accepted methods such as the Arksey and O'Malley methodology framework and the Levac extension. We will search multiple databases, and Google Scholar for both qualitative and quantitative scientific literature. Articles will be screened, extracted, and analyzed by a team with lived experience of cardiac arrest. Two reviewers will conduct all screening and data extraction independently. A descriptive overview, tabular and/or graphical summaries, and a directed content analysis will be carried out on extracted data., Discussion: This protocol outlines a planned literature review to systematically examine the nature of existing evidence to describe what the care needs of families experiencing the cardiac arrest of a loved one are. Such evidence will contribute to the development of strategies to meet identified care needs. Persons with lived experience participated in the creation of this protocol, and they will also participate in the execution of this review as partners and coinvestigators, not as research subjects or participants. The results of the scoping review will be disseminated upon completion of the work described in this protocol., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation is the foundation of cardiac arrest care. Guidelines specify chest compression depth, recoil, and rate, but providers often fail to achieve these targets. Furthermore, providers are largely unable assess the quality of their own or other peoples' chest compressions. Chest compression feedback devices can improve chest compression quality; their use is endorsed internationally, but they remain largely absent in clinical care. This article analyzes preclinical data collected during a quality improvement project. It describes provider demographics and perceptions about their chest compression quality and correlates them to measured chest compression quality, compares clinician perception of chest compressions to objective measures, and describes the effect of feedback on compression quality., Methods: Clinicians were recruited from 2 metropolitan emergency departments. A questionnaire was used to assess participants' levels of training and experience. A before-and-after assessment of chest compression quality was performed using a Laerdal CPRmeter 2 and a CPR mannequin. Pretest measures of chest compression quality were made by covering the device screen thereby blinding providers to feedback; repeat measures were then collected from the same participants but unblinded to feedback. Provider charecteristic were collected by survey. Correlations between blinded chest compression quality and provider charecteristics; the reliability of providers estimated compared to measured quality; and the effects of feedback on chest compression quality were assessed using Pearsons correlations, Cohens κ, and paired t testing., Results: 84 participants were assessed. The mean years of certification were 11.74. Ninty-five percent of the providers self-assessed as more experienced than novice and 81% reported performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation at least occasionally. The frequency of performing chest compressions was correlated with self-assessed skill (r = 0.58, P < .001). However, self-assessed skill was only weakly correlated with chest compression quality (r = 0.29, P = .01) and not at all with the frequency of performing chest compressions or years of certification. There was no agreement between self-assessed and device-measured chest compression depth (κ = -0.10, P = 0.11), recoil (κ = -0.14, P = .03), or rate (κ = 0.06, P =.30). The overall quality of compressions improved by 16.9%; the percentage of chest compressions achieving target depth by 3.58%; recoil by 22.82%; and rate by 23.66% with feedback. A total of 97.6% of the staff rated chest compression feedback helpful., Conclusions: Our findings suggest that participants' demographics were not correlated with chest compression quality and that providers cannot reliably assess chest compression quality. The data also demonstrate that with minimal training, feedback can significantly improve chest compression quality., (Copyright © 2020 Emergency Nurses Association. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Uncontrolled hemorrhage poses significant morbidity and mortality among injured patients. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) utilizes a rapidly-administered minimally invasive transfemoral balloon catheter that is inflated for aortic occlusion, allowing for time to arrange definitive surgical or angiographic intervention. As indications for its use continue to evolve, this study sought to evaluate whether there is a potential need for REBOA implementation in two high-volume trauma centers in Edmonton., Methods: Patient data within our provincial trauma registry was reviewed between 2015 and 2017 to identify major trauma patients (Injury Severity Score ≥ 12). Patients eligible for REBOA included patients with blunt or penetrating trauma to the torso or pelvis, AND death prior to discharge; and patients taken to the operating room or interventional radiology suite within 4 h of arrival. Charts were reviewed to determine if patients met current conventional criteria for REBOA., Results: Out of 3415 trauma patients during our study period, 237 patients met the registry screen as potentially eligible for REBOA. After primary researcher review, 67 patients underwent full chart review and then 2 trauma surgeons determined that 38 (1.1% of the study population) met criteria for deploying REBOA., Conclusion: A small but significant number of trauma patients at the two trauma centers were identified as potential candidates for REBOA use. Implementation of a REBOA program should be done in alignment with existing clinical practice guidelines and professional society recommendations.

This is the summary publication of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation's 2020 International Consensus on First Aid Science With Treatment Recommendations. It addresses the most recent published evidence reviewed by the First Aid Task Force science experts. This summary addresses the topics of first aid methods of glucose administration for hypoglycemia; techniques for cooling of exertional hyperthermia and heatstroke; recognition of acute stroke; the use of supplementary oxygen in acute stroke; early or first aid use of aspirin for chest pain; control of life- threatening bleeding through the use of tourniquets, haemostatic dressings, direct pressure, or pressure devices; the use of a compression wrap for closed extremity joint injuries; and temporary storage of an avulsed tooth. Additional summaries of scoping reviews are presented for the use of a recovery position, recognition of a concussion, and 6 other first aid topics. The First Aid Task Force has assessed, discussed, and debated the certainty of evidence on the basis of Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria and present their consensus treatment recommendations with evidence-to-decision highlights and identified priority knowledge gaps for future research. The 2020 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) Science With Treatment Recommendations (CoSTR) is the fourth in a series of annual summary publications from the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). This 2020 CoSTR for first aid includes new topics addressed by systematic reviews performed within the past 12 months. It also includes updates of the first aid treatment recommendations published from 2010 through 2019 that are based on additional evidence evaluations and updates. As a result, this 2020 CoSTR for first aid represents the most comprehensive update since 2010., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Aim: To identify and summarize the available science on prone resuscitation. To determine the value of undertaking a systematic review on this topic; and to identify knowledge gaps to aid future research, education and guidelines., Methods: This review was guided by specific methodological framework and reporting items (PRISMA-ScR). We included studies, cases and grey literature regarding prone position and CPR/cardiac arrest. The databases searched were MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus and Google Scholar. Expanded grey literature searching included internet search engine, targeted websites and social media., Results: Of 453 identified studies, 24 (5%) studies met our inclusion criteria. There were four prone resuscitation-relevant studies examining: blood and tidal volumes generated by prone compressions; prone compression quality metrics on a manikin; and chest computed tomography scans for compression landmarking. Twenty case reports/series described the resuscitation of 25 prone patients. Prone compression quality was assessed by invasive blood pressure monitoring, exhaled carbon dioxide and pulse palpation. Recommended compression location was zero-to-two vertebral segments below the scapulae. Twenty of 25 cases (80%) survived prone resuscitation, although few cases reported long term outcome (neurological status at hospital discharge). Seven cases described full neurological recovery., Conclusion: This scoping review did not identify sufficient evidence to justify a systematic review or modified resuscitation guidelines. It remains reasonable to initiate resuscitation in the prone position if turning the patient supine would lead to delays or risk to providers or patients. Prone resuscitation quality can be judged using end-tidal CO 2 , and arterial pressure tracing, with patients turned supine if insufficient., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aim: Low overhead height can negatively affect chest compression performance. An adapted compression technique has been proposed by paramedic H. Koch (pron. "Cook"). This study compares conventional to Koch technique in a height-restricted aeromedical helicopter. Methods: Eighteen clinicians were randomized to 2 minutes of conventional or Koch compressions, then crossed-over. Koch technique uses a forearm/elbow instead of overlapping hands. Compression quality was assessed with a Skill Reporting Laerdal Resusci-Anne manikin. Quality variables were: the number and rate of compressions, compression depth, release, land marking, and overall aggregate quality score. Participant feedback was collected using the Borg Scale of Perceived Exertion, and compression difficulty using a zero-to-ten scale. Furthermore, we solicited open-ended descriptive responses. Results: The average overall quality score was 63% for conventional compressions versus 79% for Koch compressions (p = 0.04). On average, the Koch compression method increased compression depth by 5 mm (95% CI 4.3 to 5.7) and the proportion of compressions at the correct depth by 17% (95% CI 7.55 to 26.45), although these were not statistically significant. Correct release and land marking showed no statistically significant difference between techniques. Koch compressions resulted in statistically significant reductions in physical exertion and difficulty (p < 0.001). Qualitative feedback described modified compressions as easier and more sustainable. Conclusions: In a height-restricted aeromedical helicopter, the average overall quality score improved using Koch compressions, although the mean rate, mean depth, correct release and land marking were found to be similar between techniques. Qualitative feedback described Koch compressions as easier and more sustainable. In settings where the compressor is affected by reduced overhead working height, Koch compressions may be an advisable alternative.

Introduction: Abdominal-pelvic hemorrhage (i.e., originates below the diaphragm and above the inguinal ligaments) is a major cause of death. It has diverse etiology but is typically associated with gunshot or stab wounds, high force or velocity blunt trauma, aortic rupture, and peripartum bleeds. Because there are few immediately deployable, temporizing measures, and the standard approaches such as direct pressure, hemostatics, and tourniquets are less reliable than they are with compressible extremity injuries, risk for death resulting from abdominal-pelvic hemorrhage is high. This review concerns the exciting potential of proximal external aortic compression (PEAC) as a temporizing technique for life-threatening lower abdominal-pelvic hemorrhage. PEAC can be accomplished by means of a device, two locked arms (manual), or a single knee (genicular) to press over the midline supra-umbilical abdomen. The goal is to compress the descending aorta and slow or halt downstream hemorrhage while not delaying more definitive measures such as hemostatic packing, tourniquets, endovascular balloons, and ultimately operative repair., Methods: Clinical review of the Ovid MEDLINE, In-Process, & Other Non-Indexed, and Google Scholar databases was performed for the period ranging from 1946 to 3 May 2019 for studies that included the following search terms: [proximal] external aortic compression OR vena cava compression AND (abdomen or pelvis) OR (hemorrhage) OR (emergency or trauma). In addition, references from included studies were assessed., Conclusion: Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Evidence was grouped and summarized from the specialties of trauma, aortic surgery, and obstetrics to help prehospital responders and guide much-needed additional research, with the goal of decreasing the high risk for death after life-threatening abdominal-pelvic hemorrhage., (2020.)

Background: Heat stroke is an emergent condition characterized by hyperthermia (>40 °C/>104 °F) and nervous system dysregulation. There are two primary etiologies: exertional which occurs during physical activity and non-exertional which occurs during extreme heat events without physical exertion. Left untreated, both may lead to significant morbidity, are considered a special circumstance for cardiac arrest, and cause of mortality., Methods: We searched Medline, Embase, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus. We used Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methods and risk of bias assessments to determine the certainty and quality of evidence. We included randomized controlled trials, non-randomized trials, cohort studies and case series of five or more patients that evaluated adults and children with non-exertional or exertional heat stroke or exertional hyperthermia, and any cooling technique applicable to first aid and prehospital settings. Outcomes included: cooling rate, mortality, neurological dysfunction, adverse effects and hospital length of stay., Results: We included 63 studies, of which 37 were controlled studies, two were cohort studies and 24 were case series of heat stroke patients. Water immersion of adults with exertional hyperthermia [cold water (14-17 °C/57.2-62.6 °F), colder water (8-12 °C/48.2-53.6 °F) and ice water (1-5 °C/33.8-41 °F)] resulted in faster cooling rates when compared to passive cooling. No single water temperature range was found to be associated with a quicker core temperature reduction than another (cold, colder or ice)., Conclusion: Water immersion techniques (using 1-17 °C water) more effectively lowered core body temperatures when compared with passive cooling, in hyperthermic adults. The available evidence suggests water immersion can rapidly reduce core body temperature in settings where it is feasible., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction : Following life-threatening junctional trauma, the goal is to limit blood loss while expediting transfer to operative rescue. Unfortunately, life-threatening abdominal-pelvic or junctional hemorrhage is often not amenable to direct compression and few temporizing strategies are available beyond hemostatic dressings, hypotensive resuscitation, and balanced transfusion. Objectives : In this study, we evaluated proximal external aortic compression to arrest blood flow in healthy adult men. Methods : This was a simulation trial of proximal external aortic compression, for life-threatening abdominal-pelvic and junctional hemorrhage, in a convenience sample of healthy adult male volunteers. The primary end points were cessation of femoral blood flow as assessed by pulse wave Doppler ultrasound at the right femoral artery, caudal to the inguinal ligament. Secondary end points were discomfort and negative sequelae. Results : Aortic blood flow was arrested in 12 volunteers. Median time to blood flow cessation was 12.5 seconds. Median reported discomfort was 5 out of 10. No complications or negative sequelae were reported. Conclusion : This trial suggests that it may be reasonable to attempt temporization of major abdominal-pelvic and junctional hemorrhage using bimanual proximal external aortic compression. In the absence of immediate alternatives for this dangerous and vexing injury pattern, there appear to be few downsides to prehospital proximal external aortic compression while concomitantly expediting definite care.

Introduction: Few practice improvement registries exist that describe opportunities to improve intraosseous (IO) use. The goal of this project was to assess the success rate of the procedure by emergency nurses and identify opportunities to improvement. Secondary goals were to assess success rates based on clinician type, age of patient, and procedural factors., Methods: Emergency nurses assigned to the resuscitation area of a tertiary care emergency department completed an education module and skill lab on IO placement. Tracking forms were completed whenever IO access was attempted, and the clinical nurse educator collated the forms., Results: Over 2 years, quality improvement forms were submitted for 17 pediatric patients (receiving 23 IO insertions) and 35 adult patients (receiving 40 intraosseous insertions). Prior to an IO attempt, the average number of IV attempts for pediatric and adult patients was 4 (range 0 to 10) and 2 (0 to 5), respectively. Successful pediatric IO insertion rate was 6/15 (40%) for physicians (both residents and attending physicians) and 6/7 (86%) for emergency nurses. Physicians were more likely to perform IO insertions in children <12 months of age and emergency nurses in patients >12 months of age. The leading cause of failed insertions in pediatrics was selecting a needle that was too short: either not reaching the intramedullary canal or quickly becoming dislodged, especially with flushing the IO cannula after insertion. For adult patients, IO insertion success rates for physicians were 13/14 (93%) and 18/20 (90%) for emergency nurses., Discussion: The registry identified opportunities to improve clinical practice on the clinical threshold for IO use in pediatric patients and the appropriate selection of IO cannula., (Copyright © 2018 Emergency Nurses Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To compare, quantify, and describe the time-delays associated with four common methods of adrenaline administration in the simulated setting of impending cardiac arrest., Methods: Using sham medication and a high-fidelity simulator, experienced Nurses prepared, then delivered, adrenaline by: i) bolus, ii) lower-concentration infusion iii) higher-concentration infusion, and iv) higher-concentration infusion plus carrier-line. We recorded medication preparation and delivery time, plus administration errors and self-reported competence., Results: Median total delay was i) 120s for bolus (95% CI 112-128s); ii) 179s for lower concentration infusion (95% CI 172-186s); iii) 296s for higher concentration infusion (95% CI 285-307s); and iv) 411s for higher concentration infusion plus carrier line (95% CI 399-423s). Time to prepare/deliver a bolus was less than any infusion (p<0.001). Time to prepare/deliver a lower-concentration infusion was less than either higher-concentration infusion (p<0.001). No substantial equipment failures or medication errors were observed. Participants reported high-competence. The majority of delay was from drug preparation not delivery., Conclusions: We highlight potentially dangerous delays with administration of life-saving medications by all four methods. We should prioritize boluses, and focus on improving drug preparation times and human performance, more than drug delivery and equipment., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Applying manual pressure after hemorrhage is intuitive, cost-free, and logistically-simple. When direct abdominal-pelvic compression fails, clinicians can attempt indirect proximal-external-aortic-compression (PEAC), while expediting transfer and definitive rescue. This study quantifies the sustainability of simulated bi-manual PEAC both immediately on scene and during subsequent ambulance transfer. The goal is to understand when bi-manual PEAC might be clinically-useful, and when to prioritize compression-devices or endovascular-occlusion., Methods: We developed a simulated central vessel compression model utilizing a digital scale and Malbrain intra-abdominal pressure monitor inside a cardiopulmonary resuscitation mannequin. Twenty prehospital health care professionals (HCPs) performed simulated bimanual PEAC i) while stationary and ii) inside an 80km/h ambulance on a closed driving-track. Participants compressed at "the maximal effort they could maintain for 20min". Results were measured in mmHg applied-pressure and kilograms compressive-weight. The Borg scale of perceived-exertion was used to assess sustainability, with <16 regarded as acceptable., Results: While stationary all participants could maintain 20min of compressive pressure/weight: within five-percent of their starting effort, and with a Borg-score <16. Participants applied 88-300mmHg compression pressure; (mean 180mmHg), 14-55kg compression-weight (mean 33kg), and 37-66% of their bodyweight (mean 43%). In contrast, participants could not apply consistent or sustained compression in a moving ambulance: Borg Score exceeded 16 in all cases., Conclusions: Survival following major abdominal-pelvic hemorrhage requires expedited operative/interventional rescue. Firstly, however, we must temporize pre-hospital exsanguination both on scene and during transfer. Despite limitations, our work suggests PEAC is feasible while waiting for, but not during, ambulance-transfer. Accordingly, we propose a chain-of-survival that cautions against over-reliance on manual PEAC, while supporting pre-hospital devices, endovascular occlusion, and expeditious but safe hospital-transfer., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Study Objective: Emergency department (ED) crowding is a common and complicated problem challenging EDs worldwide. Nurse-initiated protocols, diagnostics, or treatments implemented by nurses before patients are treated by a physician or nurse practitioner have been suggested as a potential strategy to improve patient flow., Methods: This is a computer-randomized, pragmatic, controlled evaluation of 6 nurse-initiated protocols in a busy, crowded, inner-city ED. The primary outcomes included time to diagnostic test, time to treatment, time to consultation, or ED length of stay., Results: Protocols decreased the median time to acetaminophen for patients presenting with pain or fever by 186 minutes (95% confidence interval [CI] 76 to 296 minutes) and the median time to troponin for patients presenting with suspected ischemic chest pain by 79 minutes (95% CI 21 to 179 minutes). Median ED length of stay was reduced by 224 minutes (95% CI -19 to 467 minutes) by implementing a suspected fractured hip protocol. A vaginal bleeding during pregnancy protocol reduced median ED length of stay by 232 minutes (95% CI 26 to 438 minutes)., Conclusion: Targeting specific patient groups with carefully written protocols can result in improved time to test or medication and, in some cases, reduce ED length of stay. A cooperative and collaborative interdisciplinary group is essential to success., (Copyright © 2016 American College of Emergency Physicians. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Minimizing haemorrhage using direct pressure is intuitive and widely taught. In contrast, this study examines the use of indirect-pressure, specifically external aortic compression (EAC). Indirect pressure has great potential for temporizing bleeds not amenable to direct tamponade i.e. abdominal-pelvic, junctional, and multi-site trauma. However, it is currently unclear how to optimize this technique., Methods: We designed a model of central vessel compression using the Malbrain intra-abdominal pressure monitor and digital weigh scale. Forty participants performed simulated external aortic compression on the ground, on a stretcher mattress, and with and without a backboard., Results: The greater the rescuer's bodyweight the greater was their mean compression (Pearson's correlation 0.93). Using one-hand, a mean of 28% participant bodyweight (95% CI, 26-30%) could be transmitted at sustainable effort, waist-height, and on a stretcher. A second compressing hand increased the percentage of rescuer bodyweight transmission 10-22% regardless of other factors (i.e. presence/absence or a backboard; rescuer position) (p<0.001). Adding a backboard increased transmission of rescuer bodyweight 7-15% (p<0.001). Lowering the patient from waist-height backboard to the floor increased transmission of rescuer bodyweight 4-9% (p<0.001). Kneeling on the model was the most efficient method and transmitted 11% more weight compared to two-handed maximal compression (p<0.001)., Conclusions: Efficacy is maximized with larger-weight rescuers who use both hands, position themselves atop victims, and compress on hard surfaces/backboards. Knee compression is most effective and least fatiguing, thus assisting rescuers of lower weight and lesser strength, where no hard surfaces exist (i.e. no available backboard or trauma on soft ground), or when lengthy compression is required (i.e. remote locations). Our work quantifies methods to optimize indirect pressure as a temporizing measure following life-threatening haemorrhage not amenable to direct compression, and while expediting compression devices or definitive treatment., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Resuscitation can be delayed, or impaired, by insufficient vascular access. This study examines whether dual-intraosseous needles, inserted into a single porcine humerus, can facilitate rapid and concomitant fluid and medication delivery., Methods: After inserting one- and then two-intraosseous needles into the same porcine humerus, we determined the rate of fluid administration using (i) an infusion pump set to 999mL/h, and (ii) a standard pressure-bag set to 300mmHg. Next, we concomitantly infused blood, crystalloid and medications into the same medullary canal, using the two-needle set-up. Humeri were inspected for fluid-leakage, needle-displacement, and bone damage., Results: Using an infusion pump, the mean normal-saline infusion-rate was significantly higher with dual-intraosseous needles compared to a single-intraosseous needle: the infusion-rate was 16mL/min using dual-needles versus 8mL/min for a single needle set-up (p<0.001). In contrast, using the pneumatic pressure-bag, the infusion rate was not statistically different when comparing dual-intraosseous needles versus single-intraosseous: the infusion-rate was 22mL/min versus 21ml/min (p=0.4) for 500mL, and 22ml/min versus 21ml/min (p=0.64) for one-litre, respectively. Blood product could be infused at a mean rate of 20mL/min through one needle while tranexamic acid was simultaneously infused through a second. There were no complications with a dual-intraosseous set-up (no fluid leakage; no needle-displacement; no high-pressure alarms, and no external bone-fractures or internal macrohistological damage) during any of our simulated resuscitation scenarios., Conclusions: This is the first published study evaluating dual-intraosseous needles in a single bone. Despite limitations, this preliminary study (using a porcine humerus) suggests that dual-intraosseous needles are feasible. For critically-ill patients with limited insertion sites, dual-intraosseous (a.k.a. 'double-barrelled resuscitation') may facilitate rapid and concurrent resuscitation., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Objective: To measure the possible delays in intravenous nitroglycerine administration., Methods: This was a simulation study of sham intravenous nitroglycerine using a standard nitroglycerine titration protocol. Variables studied were (i) common cannulae/needles, (ii) infusion accessories and (iii) presence of a parallel intravenous saline carrier line (or drive line) infusing at 30 mL/h. Outcomes were (i) delay from bag-to-bloodstream arrival and (ii) the dosage showing on the infusion pump when the sham drug first exits the cannula (aka the 'presumed initial dosage')., Results: There was a statistically significant difference in both (i) time-to-bloodstream arrival and (ii) the dosage showing on the infusion pump as the sham first exits the cannula with (i) different cannulae, (ii) different accessories and (iii) presence of a carrier line. The bag-to-bloodstream time varied 10-fold: 197-2062 s. The 'presumed initial dosage' varied sixfold: 5-30 µg/min. Adding the medication to an already flowing carrier line reduced the time for the sham to exit the cannula fourfold: from 2062 to 469 s., Conclusions: Despite limitations, this study outlines the importance of cannula type, infusion accessories and carrier lines. Larger cannulae and greater priming volumes substantially delay drug delivery, whereas carrier lines/drive lines substantially accelerate drug delivery. Our study also shows how patients could be exposed to clinical delays, as well as incorrect presumptions about drug dosage. Guidelines, and education efforts, should highlight the clinical importance of factors that affect bag-to-bloodstream time., (Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.)