Learning through simulation

With simulation, caregivers are given the opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills. With simulation, both theoretical and practical knowledge is taught. With the experiences that simulation creates, critical thinking and better care are developed. Learning through simulation complements the learning that takes place in everyday work and can have a positive effect of the advances of the care profession. The purpose of simulation may vary and different learning theories are used, both based on learning objectives and the purpose of the simulation. The experience gained from simulation prepares caregivers on how similar complex situations can be handled in the future

Medical tattoos impact on CPR decisions

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BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LIFE OF ANOTHER HUMAN BEING

   A common feature of prehospital emergency care are short and fragmentary patient encounters with in­creased demands for efficient and rapid treatment. Crucial decisions are often made, based on the premise of the ambulance staff`s ability to capture the situation instantaneously. The assessment is, therefore, a pre-requisite for decisions about appropriate actions. However, a low exposure to severe trauma cases leads to vulnerability for the ambulance staff, which makes the assessment more difficult. Assessment of severe trauma patients at the scene of accident is difficult and complicated. No trauma scenarios are alike and practical skills, training, and feedback are therefore necessary

The case of the women with the broken heart

Takotsubo can be detected as a kindred disease, predominantly affecting post-menopausal women. By correctly identifying these patients as having an acute heart failure syndrome, the outcome can be favorable

Prehospital CPR training performed with visual feedback

INTRODUCTION: Swedish firefighters are a part of the emergency medical services. Therefore, they perform prehospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a regular basis. Training becomes crucial for maintaining the CPR skills and increasing the patients’ chances of survival. Training with visual feedback is for Swedish firefighters a new way of training CPR. The aim of this study was to evaluate firefighters’ perception of a CPR manikin with visual feedback. METHOD: This study had a qualitative approach. Data were collected by interviews with 16 firefighters after performing CPR on a manikin with visual feedback. The data were analyzed with a manifest content analysis. RESULTS: Visual feedback makes it easy to identify and maintain correct compression rate. There is a need for identifying too deep compressions. Uncertainty regarding the closeness to the stomach arises when using the whole hand during compressions instead of just the wrist. To accomplish an open airway requires a bit of adjustment of the manikins’ head. DISCUSSION: To train and learn CPR is feasible with visual feedback. The firefighters can maintaing a correct compression rate and correct compression depth during the sessions. Ventilating a patient with bag-valvemask or pocket mask may require training with visual feedback to guarantee the firefighters being able to secure an open airway of the patient. All these skills are essential and improve the chance of survival for the patients

The Prehospital assessment of severe trauma patients' performed by the specialist ambulance nurse in Sweden - a phenomenographic study

Background A common feature of prehospital emergency care is the short and fragmentary patient encounters with increased demands for efficient and rapid treatment. Crucial decisions are often made and the premise is the specialist ambulance nurse’s ability to capture the situation instantaneously. The assessment is therefore a pre-requisite for decisions about appropriate actions. However, the low exposure to severe trauma cases in Sweden leads to vulnerability for the specialist ambulance nurse, which makes the assessment more difficult. Our objective was to describe specialist ambulance nurses’ perceptions of assessing patients exposed to severe trauma. Methods This study had a phenomenographic approach and was performed in 2011 as an interview study. 15 specialist ambulance nurses with a minimum of 2.5 years of experience from praxis were included. The analysis of data was performed using phenomenography according to Marton. Results The perceptions of assessing patients exposed to severe trauma were divided into: To be prepared for emergency situations, Confidence in one’s own leadership and Developing professional knowledge. Conclusions This study reveals that the specialist ambulance nurse, on the scene of accident, finds the task of assessment of severe trauma patients difficult and complicated. In some cases, even exceeding what they feel competent to accomplish. The specialist ambulance nurses feel that no trauma scenarios are alike and that more practical skills, more training, exercise and feedback are needed

First response emergency care - experiences described by firefighters

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to describe firefighters’ experiences of First Response Emergency Care. Design/methodology/approach – An explorative descriptive design with a qualitative approach. Data was collected through group interviews of 35 firefighters and subjected to qualitative content analysis. Findings – The results showed that the firefighters’ professional role and their uniform serve as protection against mentally strenuous situations. It is important to protect the dignity of the injured or dead, as well as to protect and safeguard colleagues from the experience of the tragedy of an accident. Having a solid and sterling medical education gives a sense of security when providing emergency care, as well as when caring for the relatives. Debriefing brings thoughts and feelings to the surface for processing and closure. The sense of sadness lingers for those they were unable to save, or the ones that had been dead on arrival or were forgotten. Originality/value – A firefighter’s work situation is exposed and stressful. The firefighter’s uniform as a mental barrier, colleagues, time to mentally prepare and being allowed to show feelings are factors all needed to cope. It is therefore important to encourage, promote and strengthen the protective role of camaraderie for the firefighter, which can likely be emphasized for other uniform-wearing professions such as police, military and ambulance personell. Being acknowledged for their contribution to other peoples’ lives and wellbeing can confirm the firefighters’ importance

Learning through simulation

With simulation, caregivers are given the opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills. With simulation, both theoretical and practical knowledge is taught. With the experiences that simulation creates, critical thinking and better care are developed. Learning through simulation complements the learning that takes place in everyday work and can have a positive effect of the advances of the care profession. The purpose of simulation may vary and different learning theories are used, both based on learning objectives and the purpose of the simulation. The experience gained from simulation prepares caregivers on how similar complex situations can be handled in the future

The case of the women with the broken heart

Takotsubo can be detected as a kindred disease, predominantly affecting post-menopausal women. By correctly identifying these patients as having an acute heart failure syndrome, the outcome can be favorable