Anatolian Journal of Emergency Medicine
Yazarlar: Fatma HAKYEMEZ, Hasan KARA
Konular:Tıp
Anahtar Kelimeler:Paramedic,Defibrillation,Cardioversion,Emergency medicine
Özet: Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the knowledge level and skills of paramedics working in prehospital 112 emergency medicine health services in the Konya province on making a decision for and applying defibrillation and cardioversion. Material and Methods: Sixty-two paramedics working for the prehospital 112 emergency medicine health services in Konya province were included in this cross-sectional study. The data were collected through personal data form and the defibrillation and cardioversion application assessment observation form developed by the researcher. Results: Of the paramedics, 90.3% were determined to have been diagnosed with ventricular fibrillation within the first 10 seconds and 90.4% were determined to have made a decision for defibrillation within the first 10 seconds. Of the paramedics, 58.1% were found to inquire regarding instability findings in patients who had ventricular tachycardia (VT) and whose pulses were palpable; 75.8% were found to have made a decision for applying cardioversion within the first 10 seconds, and 72% were found to activate the synchronous (SYNC) button. Differences were found in the selection of a proper energy value when the defibrillator electrodes were on the defibrillator and enabling safety/ warning steps during defibrillation and cardioversion applications. Conclusion: It was concluded that paramedics are successful in recognizing rhythm, making a decision for defibrillation and cardioversion, and that simulation training improved the skills. On the other hand, the participants were seen to have insufficiencies at concurrent pulse and rhythm control, making a decision for starting cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, energy selection when the defibrillator electrodes were on the defibrillator and energy load when the defibrillator electrodes were on the patient, inquiring stability/instability findings, applying gel and enabling safety/warning during the cardioversion procedure.