Table 3 Actions performed from diagnosis of cardiac arrest until initiation of chest compressions
From: Inhospital cardiac arrest — the crucial first 5 min: a simulation study
All simulations | Fastest group 13 (10; 17) s | Slowest group 93 (79; 108) s | |
|---|---|---|---|
Always necessary | |||
Activates internal alarm | 56% (n = 20) | 42% (n = 5) | 33% (n = 4) |
Sometimes necessary | |||
Exposes manikin’s chest | 42% (n = 15) | 8% (n = 1) | 67% (n = 8) |
Removes bed rail(s) | 28% (n = 10) | 17% (n = 2) | 25% (n = 3) |
Removes duvet | 25% (n = 9) | 8% (n = 1) | 33% (n = 4) |
Removes pillow | 19% (n = 7) | 0 | 25% (n = 3) |
Attaches automated external defibrillator | 3% (n = 1) | 0 | 8% (n = 1) |
Never necessary | |||
Lowers bed | 44% (n = 16) | 42% (n = 5) | 33% (n = 4) |
Talks loudly to manikin | 28% (n = 10) | 17% (n = 2) | 25% (n = 3) |
Moves the bed | 25% (n = 9) | 8% (n = 1) | 50% (n = 6) |
Shakes manikin | 22% (n = 8) | 8% (n = 1) | 25% (n = 3) |
Calls cardiac arrest team | 22% (n = 8) | 25% (n = 3) | 25% (n = 3) |
Collects equipment | 17% (n = 6) | 8% (n = 1) | 25% (n = 3) |
Removes headboard | 17% (n = 6) | 8% (n = 1) | 17% (n = 2) |
Delegates tasks without performing other actions | 14% (n = 5) | 0 | 17% (n = 2) |
Checks for breathing | 14% (n = 5) | 17% (n = 2) | 8% (n = 1) |
Leaves the room to get help | 14% (n = 5) | 8% (n = 1) | 25% (n = 3) |
Head tilt/chin lift without checking for breathing | 8% (n = 3) | 8% (n = 1) | 17% (n = 2) |
Calls doctor | 8% (n = 3) | 8% (n = 1) | 8% (n = 1) |
Gives verbal handover to colleagues without performing other actions | 8% (n = 3) | 8% (n = 1) | 8% (n = 1) |
Checks for pulse | 6% (n = 2) | 0 | 8% (n = 1) |
Checks for foreign body in airways | 6% (n = 2) | 0 | 17% (n = 2) |
Prepares ventilation equipment | 6% (n = 2) | 0 | 17% (n = 2) |
Reads patient record | 3% (n = 1) | 8% (n = 1) | 0 |
Performs bag-mask ventilation | 3% (n = 1) | 0 | 8% (n = 1) |
Raises the bed | 3% (n = 1) | 0 | 8% (n = 1) |