The American journal of emergency medicine
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Fever is a common presenting complaint to the emergency department (ED), and the evaluation of the febrile child remains a challenging task. ⋯ Secretory phospholipase A2 differs significantly in children with viral versus bacterial infection and seems to be a reliable screening test for bacterial infection in febrile children.
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Anion gap (AG) and serum bicarbonate concentration (BICARB) may help confirm a diagnosis of seizure in an unwitnessed collapse; however, little data exist to support this practice. Our objective was to assess the association between AG metabolic acidosis and generalized seizure and to derive a simple score to predict seizure. ⋯ Anion gap metabolic acidosis is associated with generalized seizure. A Denver Seizure Score greater than 20 predicts generalized seizure in the emergency department and may be useful for differentiating patients with unwitnessed loss of consciousness.
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The aims of this study are to evaluate the cardiac safety of the Stinger S-200 Conducted Energy Weapon Device (CED) (Stinger Systems, Tampa, Fla) on a human-sized pig model and to test the effect of various commercially available CEDs, specifically the Stinger S-200, TASER M26 (Taser International, Scottsdale, Ariz), and TASER X26 on pacemaker function. ⋯ In this model, the application of the S-200 in various orientations across the heart did not result in any sustained abnormal cardiac rhythms. None of the tested CEDs adversely affected the functioning of the tested pacemaker. Stinger Systems has now replaced the S-200 with the S-200T with a different output.
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Cervical collar brace protection of the cervical spine at the scene of the incident is the first priority for emergency medical technicians treating patients who have sustained trauma. However, there is still controversy between over- or underprotection. The objective of this study was to survey the cervical spine injury of lightweight motorcycle accident victims and further evaluate the neck collar protection policy. ⋯ The incidence of cervical spinal injuries in the urban area lightweight motorcyclists is very low. Prehospital protocol for application of a cervical collar brace to people who have sustained a lightweight motorcycle accident in the urban area should be revised to avoid unnecessary restraint and possible complications.
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Clinical Trial
Visual-aided directions are superior to verbal instruction only in obtaining hand position for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
The aim of the study was to test if instruction without visual directions is sufficient to obtain the recommended hand position for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). ⋯ Instruction including visual direction was superior to verbal instruction only in obtaining hand position for CPR.