PubMed · 12736616
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2003. ALS roulette.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12736616/
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This paper is part 1 of a 2-part series on interpretation of 12-lead resting electrocardiograms (ECGs). Part 1 is a position paper that presents recommendations for initial competency, competency assessment, and maintenance of competency on ECG interpretation, as well as recommendations for the role of computer-assisted ECG interpretation. Part 2 is a systematic review of detailed supporting evidence for the recommendations. Despite several earlier consensus-based recommendations on ECG interpretation, substantive evidence on the training needed to obtain and maintain ECG interpretation skills is not available. Some studies show that noncardiologist physicians have more ECG interpretation errors than do cardiologists, but the rate of adverse patient outcomes from ECG interpretation errors is low. Computers may decrease the time needed to interpret ECGs and can reduce ECG interpretation errors. However, they have shown less accuracy than physician interpreters and must be relied on only as an adjunct interpretation tool for a trained provider. Interpretation of ECGs varies greatly, even among expert electrocardiographers. Noncardiologists seem to be more influenced by patient history in interpreting ECGs than are cardiologists. Cardiologists also perform better than other specialists on standardized ECG examinations when minimal patient history is provided. Pending more definitive research, residency training in internal medicine with Advanced Cardiac Life Support instruction should continue to be sufficient for bedside interpretation of resting 12-lead ECGs in routine and emergency situations. Additional experience or training in ECG interpretation when the patient's clinical condition is unknown may be useful but requires further study.
The 'Guidelines 2000 for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care' have been published in a number of journals by a group of international experts. Although these guidelines are not dictated or imposed, their implementation would necessitate changes to the curriculum 'Basic Life Support' instruction for laymen. The recall of all persons ever instructed to inform them about the new Guidelines is also necessary. However, in view of the present lack of solid scientific basis, the wisdom of implementing the present guidelines in Dutch practice in an unrestricted manner has to be questioned, due to financial and human impact that would be involved.
In 2002, the Netherlands Resuscitation Council published a translation of guidelines on Basic Life Support, use of the Automated External Defibrillator, and Advanced Life Support for adults and children, as laid down in 2000 by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation. The Dutch situation has altered in that there has been a change from the Netherlands-specific 'CAB' scheme to the internationally accepted 'ABC' scheme. This means that upon encountering a patient, the airways should be checked first (A), then artificial ventilation should be administered twice (B), after which the circulation should be checked in the third place (C) and chest compression should be initiated if necessary. In the Dutch guideline 'assessment of signs of circulation' for the identification of circulatory arrest by lay people was not accepted, but the pulse check at the carotid artery has been maintained. Medical professionals should also assess possible circulatory arrest in this way. Regardless of the number of people attending the patient, the ratio of chest compressions to artificial ventilation in adults is now 15:2 rather than the previously-advocated ratio of 5:1. This ratio is more effective in building up the blood pressure during the chest compressions. In terms of medication, the most important modification is the addition of amiodarone for persistent ventricular fibrillation.