Long-term prognostic benefit of field triage and direct transfer of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Direct transfer (DT) to the catheterization laboratory has been demonstrated to reduce delays in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). However, data with regard to its effect on long-term mortality are sparse. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of DT on long-term mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions treated with PPCI.

Direct transfer of ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients for primary percutaneous coronary intervention from short and long transfer distances decreases temporal delays and improves short-term prognosis: the PROGALIAM Registry.

Aims: This study sought to evaluate the impact of a direct transfer strategy on treatment times and prognosis of patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous intervention (PPCI).

Methods And Results: We conducted a cohort study of 1,194 patients who underwent PPCI in our centre between May 2005 and December 2008. We studied the role of direct transfer on time to treatment and door-to-balloon delays and its effect on 30-day mortality adjusted by risk profile on admission.

Cost-efficiency assessment of Advanced Life Support (ALS) courses based on the comparison of advanced simulators with conventional manikins.

Background: Simulation is an essential tool in modern medical education. The object of this study was to assess, in cost-effective measures, the introduction of new generation simulators in an adult life support (ALS) education program.

Methods: Two hundred fifty primary care physicians and nurses were admitted to ten ALS courses (25 students per course).

Paediatric out-of-hospital resuscitation in an area with scattered population (Galicia-Spain).

Background: Cardiorespiratory arrest (CRA) is a rare event in childhood. Our objective was to determine the characteristics of paediatric CRA and the immediate results of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in Galicia, a community with a very scattered population.

Methods: All children (aged from newborn to 16 years old) who suffered an out-of-hospital CRA in Galicia and were assisted by the Public Foundation Medical Emergencies of Galicia-061 staff, from June 2002 to February 2005, were included in the study.