Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
-
Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2019
Emergency care in Kiribati: A combined medical and nursing model for development.
To summarise recent developments in emergency care in Kiribati, a developing Pacific Island nation. Multiple donor countries and agencies have partnered in this process. Changes in medical training, staffing models and planned infrastructure developments are all described, with a particular focus on a recent emergency nurse training programme. ⋯ A multifaceted development strategy has proven essential for progression in emergency care. Nurse education is an essential component of this, and the existing model has potential for other similar nations.
-
Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2019
Observational StudyPosition of the abdominal seat belt sign and its predictive utility for abdominal trauma.
In a motor vehicle crash, compressive forces from the lap component of the seat belt may produce an abdominal abrasion/contusion known as the 'seat belt sign', and is associated with abdominal and lumbar injuries. Previous research has not taken into account the position of this sign in relation to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). Our aim was to demonstrate an association between the seat belt sign position in relation to ASIS and the presence of abdominal/lumbar injury. ⋯ The seat belt sign is associated with abdominal and lumbar injury; however, the location is important. This association is strong when the seat belt sign is above ASIS, but when the sign is at/below the ASIS the injury rate is similar to participants with no seat belt sign. Routine imaging of the abdomen may be appropriate only for those with a seat belt sign above ASIS.
-
Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2019
Caring for older patients in the emergency department: Health professionals' perspectives from Australia - The Safe Elderly Emergency Discharge project.
To explore health professionals' perspectives about caring for community-dwelling older patients in the ED. ⋯ The growing number of older patients presents numerous challenges for emergency health professionals and necessitates a tailored approach to care. Understanding health professionals' perspectives about caring for older patients can inform strategies that may improve the quality of care. Creating older person-friendly areas, improving transitional care and providing staff with specific education would foster an environment that promotes person-centred care, safety, independence and functional wellbeing.