RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Research suggests rescuers deliver ventilations outside of recommendations during out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), which can be deleterious to survival. We aimed to determine if ambulance clinician compliance with ventilation recommendations could be improved using the Zoll Accuvent real time ventilation feedback device (VFD). METHODS: Participants simulated a two-minute cardiac arrest scenario using a mannequin and defibrillator without ventilation feedback. Eligible for inclusion were all clinicians aged ≥18 years who perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as part of their role, who had completed an internal advanced life support (ALS) refresher. Following familiarisation of a few minutes with the VFD, participants repeated the two-minute scenario with ventilation feedback. Ventilation rate and volume and CPR quality were recorded. Primary outcome was % difference in ventilation compliance with and without feedback. Secondary outcomes were differences between paramedic and non-paramedic clinicians and compliance with chest compression guidelines. RESULTS: One hundred and six participants completed the study. Median ventilation rate without feedback was 10 (IQR 8-14, range 4-30) compared to 9 (IQR 9-9, range 6-17) with feedback; median tidal volume without feedback was 630 mls (IQR 518-725, range 201-1114) compared to 546 mls (IQR 531-560, range 490-750) with feedback. Proportion of clinicians ≥50% compliant with European Resuscitation Council ventilation recommendations were significantly greater with ventilation feedback compared to without, 91% vs. 9%, (McNemars test p = <0.0001). Paramedics out performed non-paramedic clinicians with and without feedback and compression quality was not compromised by using the VFD. CONCLUSIONS: Ambulance clinician baseline ventilation quality was frequently outside of recommendations, but a VFD can ensure treatment is within evidence-based recommendations. Further research is required to validate the use of the VFD in true clinical practice and to evaluate the relationship between improved ventilation quality during OHCA and patient outcomes.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Ambulance services transport patients with infections and diseases, and could pose a cross-transmission risk to patients and staff through environmental contamination. The literature suggests that environmental pathogens are present in ambulances, cleaning is inconsistent and patient/staff impact is difficult to quantify. Eco-Mist developed a dry misting decontamination system for ambulance use called AmbuGard, which works in < 30 minutes and is 99.9999% effective against common pathogens. The research question is: 'What pathogens are present in North East Ambulance Service ambulances and what impact does adding AmbuGard to the deep-cleaning process make?'. METHODS: A two-armed, randomised controlled trial enrolled 14 ambulances during their regular 24-week deep clean, which were 1:1 randomised to deep cleaning (control arm) or deep cleaning plus AmbuGard (intervention arm). Polywipe swabs were taken before and after cleaning from five locations selected for high rates of contact (steering wheel, shelf, side-door grab rail, patient seat armrest, rear door handle/grab rail). Microbiology culture methods identified the presence and amount of bacterial organisms present, including the selected pathogens: Enterococcus spp.; Enterobacter spp.; Klebsiella spp.; Staphylococcus aureus; Acinetobacter spp.; Pseudomonas spp.; Clostridium difficile; coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS). The researcher taking the swabs and the laboratory were blinded to the trial arm. RESULTS: Pathogens of interest were found in 10 (71%) vehicles. CoNS were found in all vehicles. Pathogens were found on all locations swabbed. Normal deep cleaning was effective at eliminating pathogens and the addition of AmbuGard showed no obvious improvement in effectiveness. CONCLUSION: Pathogens associated with healthcare-acquired infections were found throughout all ambulances. Normal deep cleaning was effective, and adding AmbuGard showed no obvious improvement. This was a small study at a single point in time. Further research is needed into temporal trends, how to reduce pathogens during normal clinical duties and patient/staff impact.
