SUMMARY
The current research focus of Tyler F. Vadeboncoeur, M.D., is on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Dr. Vadeboncoeur's research group is known as the Save Hearts in Arizona Registry and Education (SHARE). SHARE is currently examining a wide variety of subjects ranging from CPR quality to the merits of dispatcher-assisted CPR, post-resuscitation temperature management and percutaneous intervention. SHARE researchers are evaluating the potential benefits of a cardiac arrest center model much like that used in trauma and stroke. Dr. Vadeboncoeur and colleagues collect electronic waveform data to evaluate exactly what is happening during a resuscitation. Previously, data was based on what the provider reported that he or she performed rather than precisely what happened and when.
Dr. Vadeboncoeur's previous research interest was the prehospital care of patients with head injuries, specifically looking at paramedic rapid sequence induction and its effect on mortality. His research group additionally looked at the Glasgow Coma Scale and its validity as a marker of severe head injury and the need for prehospital intubation.
Focus areas
- CPR quality. Dr. Vadeboncoeur uses electronic waveform data and end-tidal CO2 monitoring in efforts to determine optimal CPR quality and ensure its translation into clinical practice.
- Telephone CPR. He is also assessing the merits of telephone-assisted CPR to improve bystander CPR rates and patient outcomes.
- Cardiac arrest centers. A third area of focus involves examining the impact of post-resuscitation measures such as early percutaneous intervention and targeted temperature management.
Significance to patient care
At present, OHCA survival rates are low, while interventions known to improve patient outcomes do not happen consistently. Bystander CPR — which doubles or even triples survival — occurs too infrequently, professional CPR is often suboptimal, and state-of-the-art post-resuscitation care does not happen uniformly. Through its research activities, SHARE is attempting to maximize patient outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Professional highlights
- Best Abstract Award in Cardiac Resuscitation Science (co-author), American Heart Association National Meeting, 2014
- Best Abstract Award (co-author), National Association of State EMS Officials, 2014
- Best Abstract Award in Cardiac Resuscitation Science (first author), American Heart Association National Meeting, 2007