Annals of emergency medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Improved medical student satisfaction and test performance with a simulation-based emergency medicine curriculum: a randomized controlled trial.
We determine the effect of a simulation-based curriculum on fourth-year medical student test performance and satisfaction during an emergency medicine clerkship. ⋯ A simulation-based curriculum yielded measurable benefits. Students demonstrated a small improvement in learning and were more satisfied with the simulation-based curriculum compared with group discussion.
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Toxic shock syndrome is a rare toxin-mediated condition that can rapidly produce multiorgan failure and severe shock. Toxic shock syndrome has been previously recognized in various clinical situations relating to surgery, nasal packing, abscesses, burns, and most notably menstrual-related cases. ⋯ The patient met all 6 of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention diagnostic criteria for toxic shock syndrome, and her intrauterine device grew out Staphylococcus aureus. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case in the medical literature of fatal toxic shock syndrome related to an intrauterine device.
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We designed the Canadian C-Spine Rule for the clinical clearance of the cervical spine, without need for diagnostic imaging, in alert and stable trauma patients. Emergency physicians previously validated the Canadian C-Spine Rule in 8,283 patients. This study prospectively evaluates the performance characteristics, reliability, and clinical sensibility of the Canadian C-Spine Rule when used by paramedics in the out-of-hospital setting. ⋯ This study found that paramedics can apply the Canadian C-Spine Rule reliably, without missing any important cervical spine injuries. The adoption of the Canadian C-Spine Rule by paramedics could significantly reduce the number of out-of-hospital cervical spine immobilizations.
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Comparative Study
Use of a battery-operated needle driver for intraosseous access by novice users: skill acquisition with cadavers.
We determine skill acquisition and performance by using a battery-operated, intraosseous needle driver in cadavers. ⋯ The EZ-IO requires minimal training, is easy to use, and is fast. Skill acquisition is rapid, with a high success rate on the initial insertion after a brief training session and a single demonstration.