Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialChest compression with kneeling posture in hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A randomised crossover simulation study.
We suggest an alternative chest compression (CC) in kneeling posture using a 'kneeling stool' on which the performer kneels beside the patient on a bed in-hospital. In kneeling posture, we can maintain high quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) without the bed height adjustment, which is necessary and inconvenient in standing posture. ⋯ A kneeling posture with a kneeling stool were preferred by participants, which have shown similar results in CC parameters and VAS with a standing posture on a stepstool with bed height adjustment during in-hospital CPR.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2014
ReviewReview article: Maxillofacial emergencies: Maxillofacial trauma.
Fractures of the facial skeleton are a common reason for patients to present to EDs and general medical practice in Australia. Trauma to the maxillofacial region can lead to airway obstruction, intracranial injuries, loss of vision or long term cosmetic and functional deficits. This article focuses on the emergency assessment, triage and non-specialist management of traumatic injuries of the orbit and facial skeleton.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2014
Observational StudyScribes in an Australian private emergency department: A description of physician productivity.
The study aims to determine if trained scribes in an Australian ED can assist emergency physicians (EPs) to work with increased productivity. ⋯ In this pilot study, scribe usage was feasible, and overall improvements in consultations per hour were seen. Overall income improved by AUD104.86 (95% CI AUD38.52, AUD171.21) per scribed hour. Further study is recommended to determine if results are sustained or improved over a longer period.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2014
Observational StudyChallenges in arranging interhospital transfer from a non-tertiary hospital emergency department in the Perth metropolitan area.
To describe the organisational demands on staff when arranging interhospital transfers (IHTs) from an ED. ⋯ While most IHTs are straightforward, critically ill transfers require considerable time, effort and teamwork to arrange.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2014
Peripheral intravenous catheter duration and failure in paediatric acute care: A prospective cohort study.
Children admitted to hospital commonly require peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) for treatment. This study sought to address a gap in the literature about current practice in the securement and dressing of PIVCs in paediatric acute care, and to ascertain the duration and failure of these devices. ⋯ Observed failure rates were high for a clinically essential device; however, there is no established rate of acceptability against which the results can be benchmarked against to facilitate effectiveness of practice. Many PIVCs appeared to remain in place longer than needed. Dressing and securement practice was homogenous. PIVC placement in the antecubital fossa should be minimised to reduce the risk of paediatric PIVC failure.