Introduction: Lactic acidosis often occurs in severely unwell patients presenting to Accident and Emergency. It is commonly associated with either hypoxia or decreased tissue perfusion secondary due to cardiovascular collapse or sepsis.
SummaryThe important part of resuscitation in late pregnancy is the relief of aortocaval compression. A manoeuvre to relieve aortocaval compression (the human wedge) is described and evaluated. Eighteen qualijied midwives performed basic life support in the supine and wedged position employing the human wedge. Performance was assessed using the Laerdal Resusci Anne Skillmeter. There was no diflerence ( p = 0.4761) in performance of mouth-to-mouth expired air ventilation between the two positions. External cardiac compressions were performed significantb better (p = 0.000s) in the wedged position than in the supine position. The human wedge may provide an alternative to other methods of relieving aortocaval compression.
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