In Poland, often for economic reasons, the staffing of medical rescue teams is limited to the legally required minimum. This gives rise to problems related to the effectiveness and efficiency of medical rescue teams. A literature review did not find any sources addressing the issue of the verification of the effectiveness of paramedic teams depending on the personnel composition of units. The aim of the study was to analyze the effectiveness of resuscitation depending on the size of the medical rescue team, comparing the work of two- and three-person teams. In total, 100 two-person teams and an analogous number of three-person units were studied. Statistical analyses were performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 24 package. The results showed that the assessment of the condition of the victim as well as the ability to assess the heart rhythm and monitor the condition during advanced measures were more effective in three-person teams; three-person teams also used oxygen more frequently during advanced life support (ALS). Most of the elements influenced the quality of resuscitation and it can be unequivocally stated that the work of three rescuers is more efficient and definitely more effective.

(1) Objective: Paramedics as a profession are a pillar of the State Medical Rescue system. The basic difference between a specialist and a basic team is the composition of members. The aim of the study was to benchmark the effectiveness of performing advanced resuscitation procedures undertaken by two- and three-person basic emergency medical teams in adults under simulated conditions. (2) Design: The research was observational. 200 two- and three-people basic emergency medical teams were analyzed during advanced resuscitation procedures, ALS (Advanced Life Support) in adults under simulated conditions. (3) Method: The study was carried out among professionally active and certified paramedics. It lasted over two years. The study took place under simulated conditions using prepared scenarios. (4) Results: In total, 463 people took part in the study. The analysis of the survey results indicates that the efficiency of three-person teams is superior to the activities performed by two-person teams. Three-person teams were quicker to perform rescue actions than two-person teams. The two-person teams were much quicker to assess the condition of victims than the three-person teams. The three-person teams were more likely to check an open airway. The three-person teams were more efficient in assessing the heart rhythm and current condition of victims. It was demonstrated that three-person teams were more effective during electrotherapy. The analysis demonstrated that three-person teams were significantly faster and more efficient in chest compressions. Three-person teams were less likely to use emergency airway techniques than two-person teams. The results indicate that three-person teams administered the first dose of adrenaline significantly faster than two-person teams. For the “call for help”, the three-person teams were found to be more effective. (5) Conclusion: Paramedics in three-person teams work more effectively, make a proper assessment of heart rhythm and monitor when taking advanced actions. The quality of ventilation and BLS in both groups studied is insufficient. Numerous errors have been observed in two-person teams during pharmacotherapy.

The dynamically changing epidemiological situation caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is associated with the increased burden and fatigue of medical personnel. The aim of the study was to evaluate: (1) oxygen and carbon dioxide blood pressure and saturation levels in medical personnel caring for patients isolated due to SARS-CoV-2 in ICUs; (2) adverse symptoms reported by medical personnel after leaving the isolation zone. Design: A Prospective Cohort Study. Methods: The project was implemented in the first quarter of 2021. Medical personnel working with patients isolated due to SARS-CoV-2 in the ICU of three hospitals were eligible for the study. The participants of the study were subjected to two analyses of capillary blood by a laboratory diagnostician. Results: In the studied group of medical personnel (n = 110) using FFP2/FFP3 masks, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between the parameters of geometric examination performed before and after leaving the isolation ward of the hospital. After working in the isolation ward, nurses reported malaise (somnolence, fatigue, sweating, dizziness) more often than paramedics (44% vs. 9%; p = 0.00002). The risk of ill-being in nurses was approximately nine times higher than in paramedics (OR = 8.6; Cl 95%: 2.7 to 26.8) and increased with the age of the subjects (OR = 1.05; Cl 95%: 1.01 to 1.08). Conclusion: FFP2/FFP3 filter masks did not worsen blood oxygenation in medical staff caring for patients isolated due to SARS-CoV-2 in the ICU. The presence of subjective symptoms such as fatigue may be due to lack of adequate hydration.

Background and objectives: National medical records indicate that approximately 350,000–700,000 people die each year from sudden cardiac arrest. The guidelines of the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) and the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) indicate that in addition to resuscitation, it is important—in the case of so-called defibrillation rhythms—to perform defibrillation as quickly as possible. The aim of this study was to assess the use of public automated external defibrillators in out of hospital cardiac arrest in Poland between 2008 and 2018. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty cases of use of an automated external defibrillator placed in a public space between 2008 and 2018 were analyzed. The study material consisted of data on cases of use of an automated external defibrillator in adults (over 18 years of age). Only cases of automated external defibrillators (AED) use in a public place other than a medical facility were analysed, additionally excluding emergency services, i.e., the State Fire Service and the Volunteer Fire Service, which have an AED as part of their emergency equipment. The survey questionnaire was sent electronically to 1165 sites with AEDs and AED manufacturers. A total of 298 relevant feedback responses were received. Results: The analysis yielded data on 120 cases of AED use in a public place. Conclusions: Since 2016, there has been a noticeable increase in the frequency of use of AEDs located in public spaces. This is most likely related to the spread of public access to defibrillation and increased public awareness.

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