Basic life support and automated external defibrillator skills among ambulance personnel: a manikin study performed in a rural low-volume ambulance setting

• Main Authors: Nielsen Anne, Isbye Dan, Lippert Freddy, Rasmussen Lars
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2012-05-01
• Series: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine
• Subjects: Emergency Medical Services; Training; Basic Life Support; Manikin
• Online Access: http://www.sjtrem.com/content/20/1/34

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Ambulance personnel play an essential role in the ‘Chain of Survival’. The prognosis after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest was dismal on a rural Danish island and in this study we assessed the cardiopulmonary resuscitation performance of ambulance personnel on that island.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The Basic Life Support (BLS) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) skills of the ambulance personnel were tested in a simulated cardiac arrest. Points were given according to a scoring sheet. One sample <it>t</it> test was used to analyze the deviation from optimal care according to the 2005 guidelines. After each assessment, individual feedback was given.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>On 3 consecutive days, we assessed the individual EMS teams responding to OHCA on the island. Overall, 70% of the maximal points were achieved. The hands-off ratio was 40%. Correct compression/ventilation ratio (30:2) was used by 80%. A mean compression depth of 40–50 mm was achieved by 55% and the mean compression depth was 42 mm (SD 7 mm). The mean compression rate was 123 per min (SD 15/min). The mean tidal volume was 746 ml (SD 221 ml). Only the mean tidal volume deviated significantly from the recommended (p = 0.01).</p> <p>During the rhythm analysis, 65% did not perform any visual or verbal safety check.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The EMS providers achieved 70% of the maximal points. Tidal volumes were larger than recommended when mask ventilation was applied. Chest compression depth was optimally performed by 55% of the staff. Defibrillation safety checks were not performed in 65% of EMS providers.</p>