Pharmacokinetics of Epinephrine During Cardiac Arrest: A Pilot Study.

Aim Of The Study: Epinephrine has been recommended for several decades for the treatment of cardiac arrest. However, although this potent medicament has a documented impact on the return of spontaneous circulation, it does not improve long-term survival. Decreased cerebral blood flow, one of the side effects of epinephrine, indicates that the use of this drug is a two-edged sword.

Implementation of a low-titre whole blood transfusion program in a civilian helicopter emergency medical service.

Background: Early balanced transfusion is associated with improved outcome in haemorrhagic shock patients. This study describes the implementation and evaluates the safety of a whole blood transfusion program in a civilian helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS).

Methods: This prospective observational study was performed over a 5-year period at HEMS-Bergen, Norway.

Prehospital Whole Blood Transfusion Programs in Norway.

Background: Prehospital management of severe hemorrhage has evolved significantly in Norwegian medical emergency services in the last 10 years. Treatment algorithms for severe bleeding were previously focused on restoration of the blood volume by administration of crystalloids and colloids, but now the national trauma system guidelines recommend early balanced transfusion therapy according to remote damage control resuscitation principles.

Materials And Methods: This survey describes the implementation, utilization, and experience of the use of low titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) and blood components in air ambulance services in Norway.

Establishing quality indicators for pre-hospital advanced airway management: a modified nominal group technique consensus process.

Background: Pre-hospital advanced airway management is a complex intervention composed of numerous steps, interactions, and variables that can be delivered to a high standard in the pre-hospital setting. Standard research methods have struggled to evaluate this complex intervention because of considerable heterogeneity in patients, providers, and techniques. In this study, we aimed to develop a set of quality indicators to evaluate pre-hospital advanced airway management.

Validation of a point-of-care capillary lactate measuring device (Lactate Pro 2).

Background: The measurement of lactate in emergency medical services has the potential for earlier detection of shock and can be performed with a point-of-care handheld device. Validation of a point-of-care handheld device is required for prehospital implementation.

Aim: The primary aim was to validate the accuracy of Lactate Pro 2 in healthy volunteers and in haemodynamically compromised intensive care patients.