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Basic life support and automated external defibrillator skills among ambulance personnel: a manikin study performed in a rural low-volume ambulance setting
Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine, 05/09/2012
Nielsen AM et al. – The EMS providers achieved 70% of the maximal points. Tidal volumes were larger than recommended when mask ventilation was applied. Chest compression depth was optimally performed by 55% of the staff. Defibrillation safety checks were not performed in 65% of EMS providers.
Methods- The Basic Life Support (BLS) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) skills of the ambulance personnel were tested in a simulated cardiac arrest.
- Points were given according to a scoring sheet.
- One sample t test was used to analyze the deviation from optimal care according to the 2005 guidelines.
- After each assessment, individual feedback was given.
- On 3 consecutive days, the authors assessed the individual EMS teams responding to OHCA on the island.
- Overall, 70% of the maximal points were achieved.
- The hands-off ratio was 40%.
- Correct compression/ventilation ratio (30:2) was used by 80%.
- A mean compression depth of 40-50mm was achieved by 55% and the mean compression depth was 42mm (SD 7mm).
- The mean compression rate was 123 per min (SD 15/min).
- The mean tidal volume was 746ml (SD 221ml).
- Only the mean tidal volume deviated significantly from the recommended (p=0.01).
- During the rhythm analysis, 65% did not perform any visual or verbal safety check.