[Advanced life support for cardiac arrest beyond the algorithm].

In an advanced emergency medical service all parts of the advanced life support (ALS) algorithm can be provided. This evidence-based algorithm outlines resuscitative efforts for the first 10-15 minutes after cardiac arrest, whereafter the algorithm repeats itself. Restoration of spontaneous circulation fails in most cases, but in some circumstances the patient may benefit from additional interventional approaches, in which case transport to hospital with ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation is indicated.

Persisting effect of community approaches to resuscitation.

Background: On the Danish island of Bornholm an intervention was carried out during 2008-2010 aiming at increasing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival. The intervention included mass media focus on resuscitation and widespread educational activities. The aim of this study was to compare the bystander BLS rate and survival after OHCA on Bornholm in a 3-year follow-up period after the intervention took place.

Can mass education and a television campaign change the attitudes towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a rural community?

Background: Survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is improved when bystanders provide Basic Life Support (BLS). However, bystander BLS does not occur frequently. The aim of this study was to assess the effects on attitudes regarding different aspects of resuscitation of a one-year targeted media campaign and widespread education in a rural Danish community.

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

Background: 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.

Methods: The Basic Life Support (BLS) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) skills of the ambulance personnel were tested in a simulated cardiac arrest.

Engaging a whole community in resuscitation.

Background: Survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is influenced by each link in the chain of survival. On the Danish island of Bornholm (population 42,000, area 588 km2) none survived an OHCA in 2001-2003. Therefore, we designed a multifaceted community-based approach aiming at strengthening each link in the chain of survival.

Distributing personal resuscitation manikins in an untrained population: how well are basic life support skills acquired?

Background: Self-instruction with a DVD and a simple personal manikin is an effective alternative to traditional basic life support (BLS) courses. Objective To evaluate the effect of distributing DVD training kits to untrained laypersons. BLS skills were compared according to 2005 guidelines for resuscitation after 3.

Acquisition and retention of basic life support skills in an untrained population using a personal resuscitation manikin and video self-instruction (VSI).

Background: Video-based self-instruction (VSI) with a 24-min DVD and a personal resuscitation manikin solves some of the barriers associated with traditional basic life support (BLS) courses. No accurate assessment of the actual improvement in skills after attending a VSI course has been determined, and in this study we assess the skill improvement in laypersons undergoing VSI.

Methods: The BLS skills of 68 untrained laypersons (high school students, their teachers and persons excluded from mainstream society) were assessed using the Laerdal ResusciAnne and PC Skill Reporting System 2.

[Have the 2005 guidelines for resuscitation been implemented?].

Introduction: In 2005, new international evidence-based guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) were published by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). The aim of these new guidelines is to improve the quality of care and, thereby, the outcome from cardiac arrest. This necessitates that the guidelines are known and implemented in clinical practice.

[Intraosseous access in adults--an alternative if conventional vascular access is difficult?].

Intraosseous infusion is widely used in children, but its use in adults is much less common. This is probably because another vascular access can usually be achieved, and also because of lack of knowledge of the technique. Placement in adults is a quick procedure with a high rate of success.

Laypersons may learn basic life support in 24min using a personal resuscitation manikin.

Background: Bystander basic life support (BLS) is an important part of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and improves outcome after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. However, the general population has poor BLS skills. Several training initiatives could be used to improve this situation and the challenge is to find the most efficient one.