New Method Saves More Heart Attack Victims

Arizona researchers suggest paramedics give patients who suffer cardiac arrest uninterrupted chest compression.

In studies, the researchers found that the survival rate of patients who were administered Minimally Interrupted Cardiac Resuscitation (MIRC) -- a technique which involves the early administration of adrenaline, followed by 200 uninterrupted compressions, and waiting longer to ventilate the lungs -- trebled! Before the method was introduced to the study group, less than 2% of heart-attack victims survived the trip to the hospital; this number increased to almost 6% with the MIRC technique.

However, "experts" caution that the study results must be carefully interpreted, especially since they did not consider the success rate improvement significantly.

Let me add that part of the reasoning behind this caveat is that the bloodflow rejuvenated by chest compression (basic CPR) is so minimal that it is derided as a "basic" technique by medical corporations. I believe this sends a clear message that a portable medical device which can deliver precise compressions on a regular and uninterrupted basis is necessary for significant improvement in the current survival rates.

But that is what representatives of corporations that manufacture and sell such devices want us to think...

© C Harris Lynn, 2008