Journal Resuscitatio Balcanika, Issue 19
Introduction
Welcome to the 19th issue of the Journal Resuscitatio Balcanica, dedicated to highlight and promote thescience and practice of resuscitation medicine in the Balkan region and beyond. This issue brings together a collection of insightful research articles and reviews that address critical aspects of first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
What to do immediately at the scene of the accident - first aid
The first article in this issue revisits the First Aid chapter of the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) Guidelines, which were updated in 2021 based on the consensus of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) 2020. These recommendations cover a wide range of emergencies and injuries, including recovery positions, management of shock, management of asthma, recognition of stroke, use of aspirin for chest pain, administration of second dose epinephrine in anaphylaxis, first aid for hypoglycemia, oral rehydration, treatment of heat stroke, use of oxygen in acute stroke, and first aid for presyncope. Additionally, trauma first aid guidelines include controlling life-threatening bleeding, treating open chest wounds, recognizing concussions, frostbite burns, managing dental avulsions, and providing first aid for eye injuries caused by chemical exposure.
“When and why not to start CPR” – analysis for Serbia (2014 – 2021)
The second article in this issue provides a comprehensive analysis of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) in Serbia from 2014 to 2021, focusing on the reasons for not starting CPR in relation to patient age. The findings reveal significant age-related disparities in CPR initiation, with older patients being less likely to receive CPR. This study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities and improve survival rates among older populations.
Importance of Studying This Topic
The study of first aid and the reasons for not initiating CPR is of utmost importance, as these topics are underrepresented in the literature but are of great interest to the ILCOR and Experts working on the 2025 Resuscitation Guidelines. Understanding and improving these areas can significantly contribute to enhancing emergency medical care and potentially increasing survival rates for patients in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
Conclusion
The articles in this issue highlight the ongoing challenges and advancements in the field of resuscitation medicine. By disseminating these findings, we aim to contribute to the continuous improvement of emergency care practices and patient outcomes in the Balkan region and beyond. We hope that the insights presented in this issue will inspire further research and may open new windows or identify potential gaps in resuscitation science.