Annals of emergency medicine
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Safety and efficacy of diclofenac ophthalmic solution in the treatment of corneal abrasions.
To determine whether the use of diclofenac ophthalmic solution is a safe and effective analgesic in the treatment of traumatic corneal abrasions in the emergency department. ⋯ Diclofenac ophthalmic solution appears to be a safe and effective analgesic in the treatment of traumatic corneal abrasions in the ED.
-
The Utstein guidelines recommend that emergency medical services (EMS)-witnessed cardiac arrests be considered separately from other out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases. The objective of this study was to assess EMS-witnessed cardiac arrest and to determine predictors of survival in this group. ⋯ EMS-witnessed cases are clearly an important subset of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and are characterized by 2 distinct symptom groups: chest pain and dyspnea. These symptoms are important predictors of survival and may also help determine underlying mechanisms before patient collapse. A later phase of the OPALS study will prospectively evaluate the impact of out-of-hospital advanced life support on the survival of victims of EMS-witnessed cardiac arrest. [De Maio VJ, Stiell IG, Wells GA, Spaite DW, for the OPALS Study Group. Cardiac arrest witnessed by emergency medical services personnel: descriptive epidemiology, prodromal symptoms, and predictors of survival. Ann Emerg Med. February 2000;35:138-146.].
-
[American College of Emergency Physicians. Emergency physicians' patient care responsibilities outside of the emergency department. Ann Emerg Med. February 2000;35:209.].
-
Estimates of time intervals by bystanders are considered critical in cardiac arrest, and are often used in other disorders such as stroke and myocardial infarction. Because they have never been previously studied, we sought to determine their accuracy. ⋯ Although many diagnostic and research conclusions are based on interval estimates from laypersons, we found no correlation between estimates and actual measured intervals in cardiac arrest. Current methodology may not be developed well enough to provide reliable data for research or quality assurance, and other clinical time estimates by patients and bystanders may be equally unreliable.
-
[American College of Emergency Physicians. Family leave of absence. Ann Emerg Med. February 2000;35:209-210.].