01/11/2017
We would like to start our CPR experience with one of our very own faculty members, Steve Wagner:
I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of two recent neurologically intact v-fib code saves.
Our first was a 43 year old male with a young wife, a 7 year old daughter and 15 year old son. He was scheduled to have a stress test after complaining of chest discomfort intermittently for about a week but had no previous cardiac history. We responded to a difficulty breathing call. En route, dispatch included diaphoresis and pallor, then upgraded to a full code. On arrival we found the patient pulseless with agonal respirations supine on his upstairs bed with his wife following directions of the fire department dispatcher with the phone line open, with semi-effective chest compressions on the bed. Patient was pulseless, in v-fib. We immediately pulled him onto the floor and began high quality chest compressions. Minimally Interrupted Cardiac Resuscitation was in effect throughout the call. Two shocks later, the patient regained ROSC and had heart tones but re-arrested while we carried him downstairs. After a total offour shocks, transition to standard ACLS and automated compression device application with minimal compression interruption, we delivered the patient to hospital staff with ROSC and following commands. The patient was reported to have a 100% right coronary artery occlusion; he received 2 stents, an implanted cardiac defibrillator, and went home to his family to celebrate Christmas.
Our second was a 69 year old full code with continuous chest compressions performed prior to our arrival. We found our patient pulseless, in v-fib with agonal respirations supine on the floor with semi-effective chest compressions being delivered by his adult son. We initiated high quality Minimally Interrupted Cardiac Resuscitation, defibrillated twice and the patient regained ROSC and positive heart tones prior to packaging and transport. We applied an automated compression device as a precaution, but the patient’s spontaneous respiratory rate increased to 16 breaths per minute. The patient had ROSC and positive heart tones. He was delivered to hospital staff alert and asking questions.
I am proud to say that CPRU has given me the education and training making these stories of survival possible.
What stands out is our significant rate of neurologically intact survival with our Minimally Interrupted Cardiac Resuscitation focused efforts.
My title is PFD FFPM
We returned 2 folks home to their families for Christmas.
I remain passionate about resuscitation/resuscitation science and wish to continually improve my efforts as I promote best practice resuscitation.