Annals of emergency medicine
-
Comparative Study
A prospective in-field comparison of intravenous line placement by urban and nonurban emergency medical services personnel.
Emergency medical services personnel are highly proficient at rapid i.v. line placement in the prehospital setting, with little difference between urban and nonurban areas in a geographically diverse state. ⋯ Personnel in the 20 advanced life support agencies studied were extremely adept (rate of 98.3%) at obtaining i.v. line access in the prehospital setting. The time required to complete i.v. line placement was very short, and little difference was noted between urban and nonurban providers. I.v. procedure intervals were shorter for successful attempts, on-scene attempts, and attempts in trauma patients compared with their counterparts.
-
To determine the efficacy and feasibility of adenosine for the treatment of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) in the prehospital setting. ⋯ Paramedics are able to accurately identify PSVT using a single lead. Adenosine is safe and effective treatment for PSVT in the prehospital setting. This series is the largest prehospital study of adenosine use to date.
-
To analyze open-wheel racing accidents at Indianapolis Raceway Park during six seasons (1988 through 1993) and describe factors that improve driver safety. ⋯ Although open-wheel racing is one of the most common forms of motorcar racing, there have been no previously published studies regarding injury patterns or medical care at these events. This study reviewed race driver injuries during six seasons of open-wheel racing at the Indianapolis Raceway Park. During 61 open-wheel racing events, no drivers were killed, but two required intensive care hospitalization.