The American journal of emergency medicine
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In December 2001, the FDA required a "black box warning" suggesting that unexpected cardiovascular deaths could occur at normal therapeutic doses of droperidol. We reviewed data from 270 MedWatch reports, including 99 reports of death, submitted between November 1, 1997, and January 10, 2002. We further reviewed primary reports of deaths and cardiovascular adverse events associated with < or = 10 mg of droperidol. ⋯ S. cases, 9 included a specified dose (< or = 2.5 mg in 5 cases and 5-10 mg in 4 cases). Cardiovascular deaths after therapeutic doses (< or = 2.5 mg) of droperidol are rare. Mandatory electrocardiographic screening appears unnecessary.
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We propose a simple and flexible connection setup for needle cricothyroidotomy. Needle cricothyroidotomy is a life-saving procedure. It is technically easy to perform, but it cannot provide adequate ventilation for a long period of time. ⋯ Alternative setups using ventilation with a bag-valve had been proposed. All of them are either too bulky or rigid, which increase the chance of cricothyroidotomy catheter dislodgment. Connection proposed by us is flexible, readily available, and easy to set up.