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Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) and septic shock (SS) are highly prevalent dysfunctions in the ICU due to the immunocompromised and immobile state of ICU patients. This research retrospectively tests the ability of a computer-based method to monitor acute hemodynamic changes in pigs. If proven, this method could assist ICU staff by providing a clear physiological, patient-specific picture of cardiovascular status for decision support.

The aim of this research is to test the ability of a model-based method to track disease-dependent hemodynamic changes in sepsis. Thus, subject-specific models of the cardiovascular system (CVS) are identified using measurements from a porcine model of septic shock with hemofiltration [1].

Early bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one of the most effective interventions in improving outcome from sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. However, despite large-scale community training programs, citizen-CPR rates have been persistently low. Therefore, a recent report of the 2010 European Resuscitation Council guidelines has re-emphasized the need for dispatchers to be specifically trained in starting telephone CPR protocol for suspected cardiac arrest. In accordance, 112 Belgian dispatchers have been trained for resuscitation assistance by telephone, using a specific protocol named ALERT (Algorithme Liegeois d'Encadrement a la Reanimation Telephonique). The present work evaluates the educational aspects of this recent implementation.

Because of increased workloads associated with primary care physician (PCP) shortage, many western countries have been facing the difficult challenge of optimizing their out-of-hours primary care services. PCPs initially gathered in small rotation groups, and then further collaborations led to larger-scale cooperatives. In such models, implementation of patient call triage is mandatory to increase the efficiency, quality and safety of care [1]. Organization models differ, from the PCP performing all patient calls to nurses and nurse assistants answering calls and performing triage, but no validated triage algorithm has been reported to date. We developed a specific French-language triage algorithm called SALOMON (Systeme Algorithmique Liegeois d'Orientation pour la Medecine Omnipraticienne Nocturne) in order to guide nurse triage PCP out-of-hours calls. The present study tested this algorithm reliability.

The ALERT algorithm, a simple and effective compression-only telephone CPR (t-CPR) protocol, has been previously demonstrated to help bystanders initiate CPR. According to their worldwide availability, mobile phone communications may play an increasing role in emergency calls. Preliminary studies suggest that they might improve dispatcher's understanding of the rescuer's situation. However, there is currently no validated protocol for videoconference-assisted CPR (v-CPR). We initiated the present study to validate an original protocol of v-CPR based on the ALERT algorithm and to evaluate the potential benefit of this assistance in comparison with classical t-CPR.

Early bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a key factor in improving survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OOH-CA). The ALERT algorithm, a simple and effective compression-only telephone CPR protocol, has the potential to help bystanders initiate CPR. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the implementation of this protocol in the Liege dispatching centre.

ELISA (Echelle Liegeoise d'Index de Severite a l'Admission) is a valid new Emergency Department (ED) triage algorithm including five levels of categorisation (from U1, high emergency degree, to U5, low degree), based on vital signs and selected anamnestic data. Previous work has demonstrated that ELISA evidenced a strong inter-rater and intra-rater agreement [1]. In this study, we aimed at further evaluating its efficiency.

Diagnosis and treatment of cardiac and circulatory dysfunction can be error-prone and relies heavily on clinical intuition and experience. Model-based approaches utilising measurements available in the ICU can provide a clearer physiological picture of a patient's cardiovascular status to assist medical staff with diagnosis and therapy decisions. This research tests a subject-specific cardiovascular system (CVS) modelling technique on measurements from a porcine model of acute pulmonary embolism (APE).

Although early bystander-initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a key factor in survival improvement from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, only one-third of victims actually receive CPR before arrival of emergency medical services. Dispatcher-assisted telephone CPR might improve the frequency and performance of bystanders' resuscitation efforts. Due to the recent interest in hands-only CPR protocol [1] and the lack of any French validated algorithm, we designed the present study in order to validate a new French protocol called ALERT (Algorithme Liegeois d'Encadrement a la Reanimation par Telephone).

For some time, most emergency departments have been experiencing severe overcrowding which could lead to reductions in the quality of care. Consequently, nurse triage tools have been developed with the aim of getting 'the right patient to the right resources, at the right place and at the right time'. However, differences in emergency medical services in different countries have limited the generalisation of pre-existing triage systems; for this reason, specific algorithms corresponding to local characteristics are needed. Accordingly, we developed a specific French-language triage system called ELISA (Echelle Liegeoise d'Index de Severite a l'Admission - Liege admission severity scale). We aimed to test its validity in the present study.

Introduction Functional residual capacity (FRC) measurement is now available on new ventilators as an automated procedure. We compared FRC, static thoracopulmonary compliance (Crs) and PaO2 evolution in an experimental model of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) during a reversed, sequential ramp procedure of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) changes to investigate the potential interest of combined FRC and Crs measurement in such a pathologic state. Methods ARDS was induced by oleic acid injection in six anesthetised pigs. FRC and Crs were measured, and arterial blood samples were taken after induction of ARDS during a sequential ramp change of PEEP from 20 cm H2O to 0 cm H2O by steps of 5 cm H2O. Results ARDS was responsible for significant decreases in FRC, Crs and PaO2 values. During ARDS, 20 cm H2O of PEEP was associated with FRC values that increased from 6.2 ± 1.3 to 19.7 ± 2.9 ml/kg and a significant improvement in PaO2. The maximal value of Crs was reached at a PEEP of 15 cm H2O, and the maximal value of FRC at a PEEP of 20 cm H2O. From a PEEP value of 15 to 0 cm H2O, FRC and Crs decreased progressively. Conclusion Our results indicate that combined FRC and Crs measurements may help to identify the optimal level of PEEP. Indeed, by taking into account the value of both parameters during a sequential ramp change of PEEP from 20 cm H2O to 0 cm H2O by steps of 5 cm H2O, the end of overdistension may be identified by an increase in Crs and the start of derecruitment by an abrupt decrease in FRC.