Automatic external defibrillators--time for a change?

Defibrillation is the definitive treatment for cardiac arrest. Until relatively recently the use of defibrillators was restricted to medical staff and paramedics. The development of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) now means that this life-saving equipment may be used by anyone with a short period of training.

Epidural diamorphine and the metabolic response to upper abdominal surgery.

The effect of the administration of diamorphine 10 mg epidurally on the metabolic response to cholecystectomy was investigated and compared with a control group of patients given intravenous papaveretum. There were no significant differences in blood glucose, lactate and pyruvate, and plasma nonesterified fatty acid values between the epidural diamorphine group and the control group. Plasma cortisol concentrations were significantly lower in the epidural diamorphine group postoperatively and this was associated with a marked improvement in pain relief.

Use of microcomputers for self-assessment and continuing education in anaesthesia.

The suitability of computer-assisted self-assessment was evaluated as a means of quality assurance in anaesthesia. Altogether 202 anaesthetists participated in four trials of the method. Analyses of their performance in a self-assessment programme dealing with obstetric anaesthesia showed significant differences in the levels of knowledge of anaesthetists practising for different numbers of years.

Computer-assisted self-assessment in anaesthesia: a preliminary study.

Fifty-six anaesthetists participated in a trial of the use of microcomputers for self-assessment. Ninety-three per cent of the anaesthetists found the concept of computer-assisted self-assessment acceptable. The only significant difference in the scores achieved by different groups was found with a specialised intensive care program in which senior registrars had a higher average score than older consultants.