Some research found by our Care of the Elderly consultants (?US source)
showed that around 11-14 minutes in to the resus attempt was the clear
break-point - either successful or dead by then. Usual caveats of the
cold/poisoned.
Quality & effectiveness of chest compressions fall off rapidly as the team
tires. How often is CPR done effectively for long preiods anyway?
Starting with Asystole has only a 6% chance of ROSC (RCUK)
DNAR system reduced the number of futile & distressing attempts on the Care
of the Elderly wards. Large city general issues average of 3 DNARs a day
with no marked effect on patient survival rates.
Knowing when to start, stop or withold resus is just as important as
rehearsing on plastic dolls
Ian Wilson
Resuscitation Officer
Lincoln
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