11/02/2024
Very interesting read
In September, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) released a study that Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) partnered on, with an aim towards improving cardiac arrest outcomes. OHSU’s research team studied 255 cardiac arrest outcomes according to the placement position of defibrillator pads, comparing survival rates when pads were placed at the front and side or when placed on the front and back. By providing our data on cardiac arrests that occurred outside of a hospital setting, the study was able to provide new insights into defibrillation techniques and encourage further research. Our own Medical Services Officer, Dave Dennis, also served as a contributor to this research effort. (https://news.ohsu.edu/2024/09/20/new-approach-to-defibrillation-may-improve-cardiac-arrest-outcomes)
TVF&R is committed to utilizing the best practices in emergency medical care to improve survival rates for cardiac arrest patients. Optimizing defibrillation techniques can lead to better outcomes for patients. Other facets for optimization of our cardiac arrest response have included dispatch efficiencies, multi-agency trainings, research-based paramedicine improvements, and the "pit crew" approach to how our crews set up around a patient.
Because every second counts in cardiac arrest, each year we also train hundreds of members of the public on how to recognize cardiac arrest, quickly begin hands only CPR, and understand the importance of rapid defibrillation to initiate these critical first steps. We also have been a champion in the use of PulsePoint, which can activate members of the public trained in hands only CPR to respond to a cardiac arrest happening in a public space.