Obstetric Life Support Education for Maternal Cardiac Arrest: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Management of maternal cardiac arrest (MCA) requires understanding the unique physiology of pregnancy and modifications to life support. Health care professionals have historically demonstrated inadequate knowledge and skills necessary to treat MCA.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Obstetric Life Support (OBLS) education on health care professionals' cognitive performance, skills, and self-efficacy in managing MCA.

Mind the GAHP: A novel protocol for improved vascular access in the hypotensive patient.

Background: Obtaining intravenous access in hypotensive patients is challenging and may critically delay resuscitation. The Graduated Vascular Access for Hypotensive Patient (GAHP) protocol leverages intraosseous fluid boluses to specifically dilate proximal veins. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of GAHP in maximizing venous targets through early distal intraosseous access and a small fluid bolus.

Validation of a Simulation-Based Resuscitation Curriculum for Maternal Cardiac Arrest.

Objective: To assess the knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy of health care participants completing a simulation-based blended learning training curriculum on managing maternal medical emergencies and maternal cardiac arrest (Obstetric Life Support).

Methods: A formative assessment of the Obstetric Life Support curriculum was performed with a prehospital cohort comprising emergency medical services professionals and a hospital-based cohort comprising health care professionals who work primarily in hospital or urgent care settings and respond to maternal medical emergencies. The training consisted of self-guided precourse work and an instructor-led simulation course using a customized low-fidelity simulator.

Prospective Randomized Trial of Standard Left Anterolateral Thoracotomy Versus Modified Bilateral Clamshell Thoracotomy Performed by Emergency Physicians.

Study Objective: Resuscitative thoracotomy is a time-sensitive, lifesaving procedure that may be performed by emergency physicians. The left anterolateral thoracotomy (LAT) is the standard technique commonly used in the United States to gain rapid access to critical intrathoracic structures. However, the smaller incision and subsequent limited exposure may not be optimal for the nonsurgical specialist to complete time-sensitive interventions.

Comparison Between a Color-only Method and a Food and Drug Administration-approved Validation Method for a Pediatric Color-coded Syringe Using Midazolam: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the use of a color-only method syringe for accuracy and timeliness when administrating midazolam. This method was compared with a U.S.

Prehospital Battlefield Casualty Intervention Decision Cognitive Study.

Introduction: Airway compromise is the third most common cause of preventable battlefield death. Surgical cricothyroidotomy (SC) is recommended by Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) guidelines when basic airway maneuvers fail. This is a descriptive analysis of the decision-making process of prehospital emergency providers to perform certain airway interventions.

Cardiac case study. 50-year-old male with chest pressure.

This case study represented a patient with a relatively uncomplicated myocardial infarction that, after prompt prehospital care and transport, was successfully halted in the emergency department with fibrinolytic therapy. This patient was provided excellent care in the prehospital setting because the paramedic and his EMT-B partner worked together effectively as a team. Although ECG monitoring, IV therapy and medication administration are beyond the usual scope of practice of an EMTB, many EMS systems are training their EMT-Bs to assist with these important procedures and interventions.

Newborn resuscitation.

Assessment and management of the newborn is a very rapid sequence of events. Unlike adult resuscitation, where the goal is to "restore" the breathing and perfusion that they once had, the goal of resuscitating a newborn is to "initiate" effective breathing and perfusion. It is of paramount importance for prehospital care providers to be prepared to handle these critical cases in an expedient manner.