Comparison of the intubation performance of video laryngoscopes with and without a channel during the intubation training for EMT students wearing Level-D PPE

Objective@#The purpose of this study was to determine the type of video laryngoscope training that is appropriate for emergency medical technicians (EMT) familiar with direct laryngoscopes, to prepare them for tracheal intubation while they are wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). @*Methods@#Thirty-eight healthy EMTs were recruited. The participants underwent two tests with four different laryngoscopes: Macintosh, McGrath, Pentax Airway Scope (PENTAX-AWS), and A-LRYNGO. The first test was conducted just after a lecture without any hands-on workshops. The second test was conducted after a hands-on workshop. In each test, we measured the time required for tracheal intubation, intubation success rate, etc., and asked all the participants to respond to a short questionnaire. @*Results@#The time to complete the insertion of the endotracheal tube with the Macintosh laryngoscope did not significantly change (P=0.098), but the rest of the outcomes significantly improved after the hands-on workshop (all P<0.05). Despite the unfamiliarity of the practitioners with video laryngoscopes and their wearing PPE, intubation-related performances were good with the two-channel type video laryngoscopes after the hands-on workshop (all P<0.05). @*Conclusion@#In preparation for an infectious disease pandemic such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it would be reasonable to train EMTs who would be wearing PPE on the procedure for intubating a trachea with a channeltype video laryngoscope.

Analysis of the accuracy of automatic electrocardiogram interpretation in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Objective@#This study aimed to analyze the association between the culprit artery and the diagnostic accuracy of automatic electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). @*Methods@#This single-centered, retrospective cohort study included adult patients with STEMI who visited the emergency department between January 2017 and December 2020. The primary endpoint was the association between the culprit artery occlusion and the misinterpretation of ECG, evaluated by the chi-square test or Fisher exact test. @*Results@#The rate of misinterpretation of the automated ECG for patients with STEMI was 26.5% (31/117 patients). There was no significant correlation between the ST segment change in the four involved leads (anteroseptal, lateral, inferior, and aVR) and the misinterpretation of ECG (all P > 0.05). Single culprit artery occlusion significantly affected the misinterpretation of ECG compared with multiple culprit artery occlusion (single vs. multiple, 27/86 [31.3%] vs. 4/31 [12.9%], P = 0.045). There was no association between culprit artery and the misinterpretation of ECG (P = 0.132). @*Conclusion@#Single culprit artery occlusion might increase misinterpretation of ECG compared with multiple culprit artery occlusions in the automatic interpretation of STEMI.

Effect of the use of a video laryngoscope and bougie on the performance of endotracheal intubation on the ground by novice prehospital caregivers: a randomized simulation study

Objective@#This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a bougie and glidescope video laryngoscope (GVL) for ground intubation by novice prehospital caregivers. We hypothesized that the intubation outcome using a bougie or GVL was superior to that using the Macintosh laryngoscope (MCL) with a stylet (MCLS) in ground intubation. @*Methods@#A randomized crossover manikin study was conducted. Studied groups were categorized into 4 according to the intubation devices used; MCLS, Macintosh laryngoscope with bougie (MCLB), glidescope video laryngoscope with a stylet (GVLS), and glidescope video laryngoscope with bougie (GVLB). The primary outcome was the total endotracheal intubation time and the secondary outcome was the success rate for endotracheal intubation. @*Results@#The use of a bougie did not cause a significant difference in the intubation time (MCLS vs. MCLB, P=0.213; GVLS vs. GVLB, P=0.633) and the success rate of endotracheal intubation (MCLS vs. MCLB, P>0.990; GVLS vs. GVLB, P=0.077) was compared with the use of a stylet in MCL and GVL. The use of GVL showed a longer endotracheal intubation time compared with MCLS (MCLS vs. GVLS, P<0.001; MCLS vs. GVLB, P<0.001). GVLB showed a decreased success rate of endotracheal intubation compared with the use of MCL (MCLS vs. GVLB, P=0.004; MCLB vs. GVLB, P<0.001). @*Conclusion@#The use of the GVL and a bougie could not affect the performance of endotracheal intubation on the ground. The use of MCL and a stylet for ground intubation could increase the intubation success rate and shorten intubation time compared with the use of a bougie or the use of GVL.

Effect of admission decision by emergency physicians on length of stay of emergency room and prognosis for patients diagnosed with medical diseases

Objective@#Overcrowded emergency departments (ED) are a worldwide problem, which could cause treatment delays and increased mortality of patients. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of admission decisions by emergency physicians without consultation of an internal medicine doctor on the emergency department length of stay (ED LOS) and survival rate of patients diagnosed with medical disease. @*Methods@#The study was a retrospective observational study comparing the ED LOS of patients admitted to the internal medicine (IM) department before and after the policy change regarding admission decisions, implemented in July 2017. During and after the policy change, emergency physicians took decisions on the arrangements and treatment for patients by processing their admission and providing follow-up care without further specialist consultations. The ED LOS and rate of admission to the IM department were compared between the study period (October 2017 to October 2018) and the control period (June 2016 to June 2017). @*Results@#The median ED LOS of patients admitted to the IM department decreased from 164.0 minutes (interquartile range [IQR], 118.0-234.0) in the control period to 114.0 minutes (IQR, 104.0-208.0) in the study period. After propensity score matching, the median ED LOS of patients admitted to the IM department decreased from 187.0 minutes (IQR, 136.0-253.0) in the control period to 144.0 minutes (IQR, 104.0-208.0) in the study period. @*Conclusion@#The admission decisions made by emergency physicians reduced the ED and hospital LOS of patients visiting the ED and diagnosed with medical disease.

Effect of the use of a video laryngoscope and bougie on the performance of endotracheal intubation on the ground by novice prehospital caregivers: a randomized simulation study

Objective@#This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a bougie and glidescope video laryngoscope (GVL) for ground intubation by novice prehospital caregivers. We hypothesized that the intubation outcome using a bougie or GVL was superior to that using the Macintosh laryngoscope (MCL) with a stylet (MCLS) in ground intubation. @*Methods@#A randomized crossover manikin study was conducted. Studied groups were categorized into 4 according to the intubation devices used; MCLS, Macintosh laryngoscope with bougie (MCLB), glidescope video laryngoscope with a stylet (GVLS), and glidescope video laryngoscope with bougie (GVLB). The primary outcome was the total endotracheal intubation time and the secondary outcome was the success rate for endotracheal intubation. @*Results@#The use of a bougie did not cause a significant difference in the intubation time (MCLS vs. MCLB, P=0.213; GVLS vs. GVLB, P=0.633) and the success rate of endotracheal intubation (MCLS vs. MCLB, P>0.990; GVLS vs. GVLB, P=0.077) was compared with the use of a stylet in MCL and GVL. The use of GVL showed a longer endotracheal intubation time compared with MCLS (MCLS vs. GVLS, P<0.001; MCLS vs. GVLB, P<0.001). GVLB showed a decreased success rate of endotracheal intubation compared with the use of MCL (MCLS vs. GVLB, P=0.004; MCLB vs. GVLB, P<0.001). @*Conclusion@#The use of the GVL and a bougie could not affect the performance of endotracheal intubation on the ground. The use of MCL and a stylet for ground intubation could increase the intubation success rate and shorten intubation time compared with the use of a bougie or the use of GVL.

Effect of admission decision by emergency physicians on length of stay of emergency room and prognosis for patients diagnosed with medical diseases

Objective@#Overcrowded emergency departments (ED) are a worldwide problem, which could cause treatment delays and increased mortality of patients. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of admission decisions by emergency physicians without consultation of an internal medicine doctor on the emergency department length of stay (ED LOS) and survival rate of patients diagnosed with medical disease. @*Methods@#The study was a retrospective observational study comparing the ED LOS of patients admitted to the internal medicine (IM) department before and after the policy change regarding admission decisions, implemented in July 2017. During and after the policy change, emergency physicians took decisions on the arrangements and treatment for patients by processing their admission and providing follow-up care without further specialist consultations. The ED LOS and rate of admission to the IM department were compared between the study period (October 2017 to October 2018) and the control period (June 2016 to June 2017). @*Results@#The median ED LOS of patients admitted to the IM department decreased from 164.0 minutes (interquartile range [IQR], 118.0-234.0) in the control period to 114.0 minutes (IQR, 104.0-208.0) in the study period. After propensity score matching, the median ED LOS of patients admitted to the IM department decreased from 187.0 minutes (IQR, 136.0-253.0) in the control period to 144.0 minutes (IQR, 104.0-208.0) in the study period. @*Conclusion@#The admission decisions made by emergency physicians reduced the ED and hospital LOS of patients visiting the ED and diagnosed with medical disease.

Prognostic factors related with outcomes in traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients without prehospital return of spontaneous circulation:a nationwide observational study

Objective@#To evaluate the prognostic factors associated with the sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival to hospital discharge in traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (TOHCA) patients without prehospital ROSC. @*Methods@#We analyzed Korean nationwide data from the Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Surveillance, and included adult TOHCA patients without prehospital ROSC from January 2012 to December 2016. The primary outcome was sustained ROSC (>20 minutes). The secondary outcome was survival to discharge. Multivariate analysis was performed to investigate factors associated with the outcomes of TOHCA patients. @*Results@#Among 142,905 cases of OHCA, 8,326 TOHCA patients were investigated. In multivariate analysis, male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.326; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.103–1.594; P=0.003), and an initial shockable rhythm (OR, 1.956; 95% CI, 1.113–3.439; P=0.020) were significantly associated with sustained ROSC. Compared with traffic crash, collision (OR, 1.448; 95% CI, 1.086–1.930; P=0.012) was associated with sustained ROSC. Fall (OR, 0.723; 95% CI, 0.589–0.888; P=0.002) was inversely associated with sustained ROSC. Male sex (OR, 1.457; 95% CI, 1.026–2.069; P=0.035) and an initial shockable rhythm (OR, 4.724; 95% CI, 2.451–9.106; P<0.001) were significantly associated with survival to discharge. Metropolitan city (OR, 0.728; 95% CI, 0.541–0.980; P=0.037) was inversely associated with survival to discharge. Compared with traffic crash, collision (OR, 1.745; 95% CI, 1.125–2.708; P=0.013) was associated with survival to discharge. @*Conclusion@#Male sex, an initial shockable rhythm, and collision could be favorable factors for sustained ROSC, whereas fall could be an unfavorable factor. Male sex, non-metropolitan city, an initial shockable rhythm, and collision could be favorable factors in survival to discharge.

Analysis of the association of serum potassium and lactic acid with neurologic outcome in out-of hospital post-cardiac arrest adult patients

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the effects of serum potassium and lactate on neurologic outcomes in out-of-hospital post-cardiac arrest adult patients. METHODS: This study was a single center, retrospective observational study. We recruited out-of-hospital post-cardiac arrest adult patients admitted to an intensive care unit from 2011 to 2017. Primary outcome was good neurologic outcome at discharge. To evaluate the prognostic impact of serum potassium and lactate, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 57 patients were included in this study. The number of patients with good neurologic outcome was 19 (33.3%). In the univariate analysis, good neurologic outcome patients showed a higher smoking rate, shorter pre-hospital transportation time, higher rate of percutaneous coronary intervention, and lower severity score (all p < 0.05). The good neurologic outcome patients also presented higher pH, lower partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and lower potassium regarding laboratory findings on the first hospital day (all p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, the independent factors favoring good neurologic outcome were pre-hospital transportation time (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69–0.97; P=0.019) and lower partial pressure of carbon dioxide on the first hospital day (aOR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91–0.99; P=0.034). CONCLUSION: Serum potassium and lactate were not significantly associated with good neurologic outcome in out-of-hospital post-cardiac arrest adult patients. The prognostic factors for good neurologic outcome were pre-hospital transportation time and initial partial pressure of carbon dioxide.

Pre-hospital i-gel blind intubation for trauma: a simulation study

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of i-gel blind intubation (IGI) as a rescue device for definitive airway management in ground intubation for pre-hospital trauma patients. METHODS: A prospective randomized crossover study was conducted with 18 paramedics to examine intubation performance of two blind intubation techniques through a supraglottic airway devices (IGI and laryngeal mask airway Fastrach), compared with use of a Macintosh laryngoscope (MCL). Each intubation was conducted at two levels of patient positions (ground- and stretcher-level). Primary outcomes were the intubation time and the success rate for intubation. RESULTS: The intubation time (sec) of each intubation technique was not significantly different between the two positions. In both patient positions, the intubation time of IGI was shortest among the three intubation techniques (17.9±5.2 at the ground-level and 16.9±3.8 at the stretcher-level). In the analysis of cumulative success rate and intubation time, IGI was the fastest to reach 100% success among the three intubation techniques regardless of patient position (all P < 0.017). The success of intubation was only affected by the intubation technique, and IGI achieved more success than MCL (odds ratio, 3.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 11.6; P=0.03). CONCLUSION: The patient position did not affect intubation performance. Additionally, the intubation time with blind intubation through supraglottic airway devices, especially with IGI, was significantly shorter than that with MCL.

A Real Situation Experimental Study on The Thermal Protection Performance of Firefighter Clothes and Gloves

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the thermal protective function of firefighter clothes and gloves through real scale fire simulations. METHODS: Firstly, the fire simulation by real scale flame was performed for firefighter clothes. A manikin equipped with firefighter clothes was directly exposed to flames which energy average is 84 Kw/m2. for 22 seconds. Heat flux gauges attached on the body measured surface temperature elevation. Secondly, we also performed the other fire simulation by hot plate exposure to firefighter gloves. Firefighter gloves with heat flux gauges exposed hot plate which temperature is 300℃ in both dry and moist conditions. Primary outcome was surface temperature change of manikin body (first simulation) and hand (second simulation) over times. RESULTS: In the first flame simulation, the surface temperature of face and shoulders elevated more rapidly comparing with the other body surface area when initial period of flame shutter open. After 18sec of shutter open, the surface temperature of upper trunk elevated rapildy. After shutter closure, high surface temperature kept continuously on right side of face and left shoulder. In the second hot plate simulation, fingers and palms showed higher surface temperature than the other areas of hands in the both dry and wet conditions. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the real scale flame enables firefighter clothes to lose their heat protective function suddenly after 18 seconds. Additionally, the protective function of firefighter gloves were relatively weaker in the palmar side of fingers than the other parts of hand. There should be additional study for evaluate thermal protection performance of firefighter clothes. And, further effort for reinforce palmar side of fingers of firefighter gloves should be done.

Frequency of Burns by Body Parts of Firefighters and Hospitalization Rate according to the Type of Protective Clothing

PURPOSE: Fire suits are very important protective equipment for firefighters. In fire scene, radiant heat and warmed water invade into conventional protective clothing gap. The safety of firefighters has long been a hot topic in Korea. Nevertheless, there are still lack of researches and investigations for safety of firefighters. We revealed the characteristics of the burn site and the hospitalization of injured firefighters according to the wearing of the conventional and special protective clothing. METHODS: This study analyzed the data obtained from the online survey (ko.surveymonkey.com) from September 19, 2016 to October 21, 2016 for nationwide firefighters who are cooperating with the National Security Agency. 4,891 firefighters responded to the questionnaire and 424 burn victims were reported. The analysis was conducted with 322 except 102 incomplete responders. The obtained data was analyzed with Chi-square test (P<0.05). RESULTS: The most common site of burn injury during firefighting was hand 166 (51.6%) followed by face 79 (24.5%), neck 55 (17.1%) and wrist 49 (15.2%). The number of people wearing conventional protective clothing was 81 (25.2%) and the number of people wearing special protective clothing was 20 (6.2%). The number of people wearing protective gloves was 247 (76.7%). In terms of protective clothing in injured firefighters, special protective clothing showed lower hospitalization rate comparing with conventional protective clothing (24.7% vs. 5.0%, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The most common site of burn injury in Firefighters is hand. The special protective clothing showed lower hospitalization rate comparing with conventional protective clothing.

Analysis of Prognostic Factors Affecting Admission in Acute Alcohol-intoxicated Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury Visiting Emergency Room

PURPOSE: This study analyzed the prognostic factors affecting admission in acute alcohol-intoxicated traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients visiting the emergency room. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective observational study was conducted on 821 acute alcohol-intoxicated adult trauma patients, who visited 10 university hospital emergency centers from April to November 2016. The primary outcome was hospital admission. The secondary outcome was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-eight patients diagnosed with acute alcohol-intoxicated TBI were analyzed. The increase in blood alcohol concentration was associated significantly with a mild decrease in admission (adjusted odds ratio, 0.993; 95% confidence interval, 0.989 to 0.998; p=0.01). Moderate to severe TBI patients showed a significant increase in admission compared to mild TBI patients (adjusted odds ratio, 12.449; 95% confidence interval, 3.316 to 46.743; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study showed that the admission was inversely correlated with the blood alcohol concentration and is correlated directly with the increase in the severity in TBI. Therefore, emergency physicians may be required to identify the severity of TBI rapidly and accurately in acute alcohol-intoxicated trauma patients visiting the emergency room.

Training a Chest Compression of 6-7 cm Depth for High Quality Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Hospital Setting: A Randomised Controlled Trial

PURPOSE: During cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), chest compression (CC) depth is influenced by the surface on which the patient is placed. We hypothesized that training healthcare providers to perform a CC depth of 6-7 cm (instead of 5-6 cm) on a manikin placed on a mattress during CPR in the hospital might improve their proper CC depth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective randomised controlled study involved 66 premedical students without CPR training. The control group was trained to use a CC depth of 5-6 cm (G 5-6), while the experimental group was taught to use a CC depth of 6-7 cm (G 6-7) with a manikin on the floor. All participants performed CCs for 2 min on a manikin that was placed on a bed 1 hour and then again 4 weeks after the training without a feedback. The parameters of CC quality (depth, rate, % of accurate depth) were assessed and compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Four students were excluded due to loss to follow-up and recording errors, and data of 62 were analysed. CC depth and % of accurate depth were significantly higher among students in the G 6-7 than G 5-6 both 1 hour and 4 weeks after the training (p0.05). CONCLUSION: Training healthcare providers to perform a CC depth of 6-7 cm could improve quality CC depth when performing CCs on patients who are placed on a mattress during CPR in a hospital setting.

The Characteristics of Firefighter Burn Injuries in a Burn Center: A Retrospective Epidemiological Study

PURPOSE: Firefighters are vulnerable to burn injury during firefighting. In extensive fires, conducted heat and radiant heat can cause burn injury even though firefighters are not directly exposed to fire. There has been increasing interest in the health problems of firefighters considerably since Hongje-dong fire of 2001, which claimed the lives of six fireman. However, there have been no studies done on the characteristics of firefighter burn injuries in South Korea. Therefore, we investigated the characteristics of firefighter burn injuries in a burn center. METHODS: A retrospective, single-center research was performed between Jan 2006 to Dec 2015. 24 firefighters came to the burn center. The electronic medical records of patients were reviewed. RESULTS: Flame burns (87.5%) were the major cause of burn in firefighter. All the patients suffered second-degree or third-degree burns. Mean burn size was 6.1±6.7%. 22 of 24 patients were hospitalized and 2 of 22 hospitalized patients admitted to intensive care unit. Mean length of hospitalization was 29.1±23.7 days and mean length of intensive care unit hospitalization was 6.0±1.4 days. The face was the site most commonly burned, representing 25.8% of injuries. The hand/wrist, upper extremity, and neck were the next largest groups, with 19.4, 12.9, 11.3% of the injuries, respectively. CONCLUSION: Firefighter burn injuries occur to predictable anatomic sites with common injury patterns. The burn size was small but, admitted patients need about 30 days of hospitalization.

Analysis of Prognostic Factors for Return of Spontaneous Circulation and Survival in Elderly Patients with Cardiac Arrest

BACKGROUND: Recently the incidence of cardiac arrest in the elderly has been on the rise due to aging and the rapid increase in cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, there has been only a few studies done regarding the factors affecting return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival in this population within Korea. We investigated the prognostic factors for ROSC and survival in cardiac arrest patients over 65 years visiting a single local emergency center. METHODS: We conducted a single center retrospective observational study, and 87 elderly patients with cardiac arrest were enrolled. They visited the emergency medical care center via ambulance from November 2013 to October 2014. Primary outcomes were ROSC and survival and the secondary outcome was 100 days cumulative survival rate. RESULTS: The level of potassium was the only significant factor for ROSC. The increase in potassium level reduced the rate of ROSC (odds ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44-0.92; p=0.01). However, higher potassium level was not related to survival (p=1.00). For the 100 days cumulative survival rate, neither hypokalemia (hazard ratio [HR], 1.1; 95% CI, 0.57-2.38; p=0.66) nor hyperkalemia (HR, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.89-2.59; p=0.11) was related to survival compared to normokalemia. CONCLUSION: The potassium level may be considered a valid prognostic factor for ROSC in elderly patients with cardiac arrest. However, it was unrelated to survival.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Articles Published in the Journal of the Korean Geriatrics Society

BACKGROUND: This study quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed the characteristics and trends of papers published in the Journal of the Korean Geriatrics Society. METHODS: Original articles, case reports, review articles published from 2006 to 2013 were retrospectively examined. All of the article research topics, paper-specific corresponding author's affiliations and number of authors were investigated. Original articles were separated and grouped according to research designs. Using the Korean Citation Index, impact factor of this journal was examined and compared with four related journals. RESULTS: Of the 276 articles analyzed, 159 (57.6%) were original articles, 145 (91.2%) were analytic studies, and 36 (22.6%) were experimental studies. The proportion of original articles accounted for about 60% until 2007 but decreased to 41.0% in 2013. By clinical study topics, 37 studies (13.4%) addressed the understanding of geriatric diseases and 45 studies (16.3%) were focused on nervous system diseases. The median number of authors for the 276 studies was 6. Internal medicine accounted for the largest proportion of corresponding author's affiliation (109 studies, 39.5%) studies. Impact factor of the journal increased from 0.05 (4th position) in 2009 to 0.48 (3rd position) in 2011. CONCLUSION: Articles published in the Journal of the Korean Geriatrics Society increasingly included experimental studies based on evidence-centered medicine, with the proportion of original articles decreasing. The impact factor increased annually along with the journal ranking, compared with other journals. Journal of the Korean Geriatrics Society is judged to be qualitatively improving.