Extended cardiopulmonary resuscitation: from high fidelity simulation scenario to the first clinical applications in Poznan out-of-hospital cardiac arrest program.

Background: The outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients are poor. In some OHCA cases, the reason is potentially reversible cardiac or aortic disease. It was suggested previously that high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) followed by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support may improve the grave prognosis of OHCA.

Impact of automatic chest compression devices in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Background: High quality chest compressions (CCs) are of crucial importance during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Currently, there are no clear evidences that the use of automatic chest compression devices (ACCD) are superior to manual CCs during out-of-hospital CPR. This study aimed to estimate if availability of ACCDs for two-man rescue teams had any impact on CPR efficiency and a rate of successful transport of patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) to emergency departments.

The use of prefilled adrenaline syringes improves cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality-high-fidelity simulator-based study.

Background: In some countries, adrenaline is available only in glass ampoules. However, simplification of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by introducing prefilled syringes may ensure more efficient CPR. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of different forms of adrenaline on the CPR quality.

A concept for the development of a pioneer regional Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Program to improve patient outcomes.

Background: Immediate initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) increases chances of restoring spontaneous circulation and survival after out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). For some refractory cases, extended cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) may be a promising option.

Aims: The aim of the study was to estimate the possibility of implementation of ECPR procedure to improve current early outcomes of patients after OHCA.

Prototype of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy simulator used in regional ECMO program.

Background: Simulation is widely accepted as an important tool in training and educating healthcare providers. The first regional polish extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program called "ECMO for Greater Poland" was recently started.

Methods: We present a prototype for ECMO prepared for high-fidelity medical simulation in extracorporeal life support.

The role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients after irreversible cardiac arrest as potential organ donors.

The number of people waiting for a kidney or liver transplant is growing systematically. Due to the latest advances in transplantation, persons after irreversible cardiac arrest and confirmation of death have become potential organ donors. It is estimated that they may increase the number of donations by more than 40%.

Evaluation of tourniquet application in a simulated tactical environment.

Background: Application of a tourniquet in a tactical environment is implemented in two ways: the so-called self-aid, which is the application of a tourniquet by the injured, and the so-called buddy aid, which is the application of a tourniquet by the person provide aid. This study aimed to test the quality of tourniquet use in a simulated situation, close quarter battle.

Methods: The study involved 24 injured operators and 72 operators in the whole simulation, implying 12 sections of six individuals.

Automated external defibrillator use in public places: a study of acquisition time.

Background: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a frequent cause of death in the developed world. Early defibrillation, preferably within the first minutes of the incident, significantly increases survival rates. Accessible automated external defibrillators (AED) in public areas have been promoted for many years, and several locations are equipped with these devices.

The role of simulation to support donation after circulatory death with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (DCD-ECMO).

Maintaining the viability of organs from donors after circulatory death (DCD) for transplantation is a complicated procedure, from a time perspective in the absence of appropriate organizational capabilities, that makes such transplantation cases difficult and not yet widespread in Poland. We present the procedural preparation for Poland's first case of organ (kidney) transplantation from a DCD donor in which perfusion was supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Because this organizational model is complex and expensive, we used advanced high-fidelity medical simulation to prepare for the real-life implementation.