Patient satisfaction and outcome using emergency care practitioners in New Zealand.

Objective: A patient satisfaction survey was undertaken in the Kapiti District of the Wellington Region to ascertain patients' experience and opinions of New Zealand's first extended care paramedic (ECP) service before consideration is given to extending it to other locations within the region. Patient outcomes were also analysed for 1 week following ECP care.

Methods: One hundred patients, 50 attended by ECPs and 50 by standard emergency ambulance service paramedics, were interviewed by an independent assessor, either in person or by phone according to patient preference.

Outcomes from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the Wellington region of New Zealand. Does use of the Fire Service make a difference?

Aims: Survival from community cardiac arrest in the Wellington region was analysed and compared with similar data reported nationally and internationally. In particular, the impact of a dual fire and ambulance service response was studied.

Method: A retrospective comparative study was undertaken of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the Wellington region between 1 July 2007 and 31 December 2009.

Survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in New Zealand following the 2005 resuscitation guideline changes.

Aims: The effect of cardiopulmonary resuscitation guideline changes on out-of-hospital survival rates and defibrillation efficacy was investigated. The guideline changes were those recommended by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation in 2005.

Methods: A retrospective comparative study was undertaken of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the Wellington region.