ABSTRACT
To determine the impact of single setting basic life support courses to paramedics by analyzing their responses. Cross sectional analytical study. Combined Military Hospital Gujranwala and PNS Rahat Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from Jan 2010 to Jan 2013. This study consisted of printed questionnaire of 10 questions from cardiopulmonary resuscitation [CPR] basics prepared according to latest guidelines of American Heart Association [AHA] given to paramedics of two hospitals participating in basic life support [BLS] course from Jan 2010 to Jan 2013. The courses were run by a single person while distributing questionnaire to all participants of both genders performing duties at different departments of the hospital on rotation. Groups of similar education level were selected for these courses. The assessment of all participants was done after each course completion as per the questionnaire and data was collected for statistical analysis. In a study of 300 individuals the consistent response of performing chest compression was seen in a large no of participants [97.3%] which was followed by checking responsiveness [75%], checking carotid pulse [66.6%], effective chest compressions [76.6%], mask ventilation first attempt was successful in [33.3%], and second attempt [96.6%]. Only 45 [15%] out of 300 had seen all types of available defibrillators [monophasic, biphasic, automated external defibrillator], monophasic defibrillator was seen by majority [83.3%] followed by biphasic [23.3%]. Automated external defibrillator [AED] was seen by few [16.6%] out of 300. Mouth to mask ventilations was difficult in first attempt for majority with small success rate [33.3%] and improved in second attempt [290%]. Checking responsiveness [75%] and feeling carotid pulse was poor in first attempt [33.3%]; however it improved following practice [83.3%]. Defibrillator paddle placement was easily mastered after practice. The defibrillation skills and knowledge of abbreviations taken from CPR guidelines was easily remembered by many participants. BLS is simple to teach but mastering skills is difficult for everyone. The outcomes of training sessions over the time can be improved with customized repeated courses to maximum individuals while stressing on practical application. Furthermore prevalent teaching methods of this skill in our hospitals need purposeful modification keeping in view the participant's capacity
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to determine the number and predisposing factor of foot infection in the adult onset diabetes mellitus. An observational study. The study was carried out at PAF Hospital Islamabad, from June 2003 to June 2005. A total of 130 patients with adult onset diabetes mellitus were included in this study. The population was mixed. Clinical profile and investigations were recorded. Patients were managed as indoor cases. Plain insulin was used to control the diabetes. Broad-spectrum antibiotics and serial debridments, where required, were carried out. A total of 18.5% of the hospitalized diabetic population was due to foot infection. Males were affected 1.5 times more than the females. The disease was bilateral in 4% cases. Poor control of diabetes, bad foot hygiene, peripheral neuropathy, trauma, ingrowing toenails, callosities and corns were implicated as predisposing factors in majority of cases. Foot infection in diabetics is a common occurrence and both sexes are involved though males more commonly than females. Majority of the patients were elderly and have poor knowledge and insight of their disease