The results of EuReCa ONE highlight that OHCA is still a major public health problem accounting for a substantial number of deaths in Europe. EuReCa ONE very clearly demonstrates marked differences in the processes for data collection and reported outcomes following OHCA all over Europe. Using these data and analyses, different countries, regions, systems, and concepts can benchmark themselves and may learn from each other to further improve survival following one of our major health care events.

IPV treatment was feasible for all patients. Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation by helmet associated with IPV reduces the duration of ventilatory treatment and intensive care unit stay and improves gas exchange at discharge from intensive care unit in patients with severe exacerbation of COPD.

Background:The COVID-19 pandemics required several changes in stroke management and it may have influenced some clinical or functional characteristics. We aimed to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemics on stroke management during the first month of Italy lockdown. In addition, we described the emergency structured pathway adopted by an Italian University Hub Stroke Unit in the cross-border Italy-Slovenia area. Methods: We analyzed admitted patients' clinical features and outcomes between 9th March 2020 and 9th April 2020 (first month of lockdown), and compared them with patients admitted during the same period in 2019. Results: Total admissions experienced a reduction of 45% during the lockdown compared to the same period in 2019 (16 vs 29, respectively), as well as a higher prevalence of severe stroke (NIHSS > 10) at admission (n = 8, 50% vs n = 8, 28%). A dramatic prevalence of stroke of unknown symptom onset was observed in 2020 (n = 8, 50% vs n = 3, 10%). During lockdown, worse functional and independence outcomes were found, despite the similar proportion of reperfused patients. Similar 'symptoms alert-to-admission' and 'door-to-treatment' times were observed. During lockdown hospitalization was shorter and fewer patients completed the stroke work-up. Conclusion:In conclusion, the adopted strategies for stroke management during the COVID-19 emergency have suggested being effective, while suffering a reduced and delayed reporting of symptoms. Therefore, we recommend raising awareness among the population against possible stroke symptoms onset. Thus, think F.A.S.T. and do not stay-at-home at all costs.

Background:Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) using a face mask is the ventilatory mode of choice in selected patients experiencing acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A high incidence of intolerance limits the use of this approach. Objective: To evaluate the sequential use of mask and helmet during NPPV in patients with severe exacerbation of COPD in order to reduce the intolerance to these devices. Methods: Fifty-three patients ventilated for the first 2 h with NPPV by mask were studied. If gas exchange and clinical status improved, they were randomized to continue on NPPV by mask or helmet.Physiological parameters were measured at admission, after the first 2 h on NPPV by mask, 4 h after randomization and at discharge. Need for intubation, ventilatory assistance, length of stay (LOS) and complications were recorded. Results: After the first 2 h of NPPV, gas exchange and clinical parameters improved in 40 patients. Four hours after randomization, PaCO₂ was lower in the mask group than in the helmet group. Nine patients in the mask group and 2 in the helmet group failed NPPV, 8 and 1, respectively, owing to intolerance. Time of noninvasive ventilation and LOS were lower in the mask than in the helmet group. Conclusions: In patients with acute exacerbation of COPD and undergoing NPPV, the sequential use of a mask and helmet diminished the incidence of failure. Under the present experimental conditions, the use of a helmet increased LOS and the duration of artificial ventilation.