Annals of emergency medicine
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The retention of knowledge and skill proficiency was evaluated for emergency care attendants (ECAs), emergency medical technicians (EMT-As) and paramedics (EMT-Ps). The sample represented 4.1% of the total number of individuals trained and certified in these positions in Texas. The average loss of didactic knowledge did not exceed 10% over a two-year period. ⋯ Participants in continuing education programs experienced an 11% better retention average for skill than did nonparticipants. The employees of privately operated ambulance services retained their basic skills better than did members of other types of services. The rate of knowledge deterioration for the sample evaluated was not correlated (R = 0.08) to the original written score.
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A case of severe methemoglobinemia and hemolytic anemia following ingestion of 5.6 gm of phenazopyridine with suicidal intent by a 16-year-old woman was successfully treated with intravenous methylene blue. Methemoglobinemia was suspected in this patient because of her intense central cyanosis, chocolate-colored blood, and minimal dyspnea. The patient's peripheral blood smear exhibited "bite cells." To the best of our knowledge, this is only the third such case reported in the literature. The pathophysiology, diagnosis, and therapy are reviewed.
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A one year review of resuscitation in an emergency department (ED) was conducted. In the stabilization room (SR) within the ED at Hennepin County Medical Center, 852 cases were treated in the year ending July 31, 1978. ⋯ Of these, 12 deaths were unrelated to central nervous system causes. These had an average ISS of 42.8.