Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
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Factors that affect success on the national paramedic certification examination have been identified. However, there are no known studies that have examined success on the paramedic exam with respect to either Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) examination score or length of EMT-B certification (which may reflect field experience gained prior to enrolling in paramedic training). The objectives of this study included assessing the relationship of EMT-B examination score and length of EMT-B certification to success on the national paramedic certification examination. ⋯ Both EMT-B examination score and ength of EMT-B certification are associated with success on first attempt at the cognitive portion of the national paramedic certification exam. Educators may wish to consider these two factors when determining paramedic program admission standards and/or consider these variables when determining how to allocate program resources.
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Comparative Study
A comparison of GlideScope video laryngoscopy versus direct laryngoscopy intubation in the emergency department.
The first-attempt success rate of intubation was compared using GlideScope video laryngoscopy and direct laryngoscopy in an emergency department (ED). ⋯ Rates of successful intubation on first attempt were not significantly different between video and direct laryngoscopy. However, intubation using video laryngoscopy required significantly more time to complete.
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This study sought to identify factors that are associated with successful organ retrieval among patients referred to organ procurement services for potential organ donation. Particular attention was paid to the frequency, patient characteristics, and outcomes of patients referred for donation from the emergency department (ED). ⋯ Referral of potential organ donors from the ED is associated with an increased likelihood of successful organ retrieval. The authors conclude that further attention and resources should be directed toward the role of emergency medicine (EM) in the organ procurement process, owing to the relatively high likelihood of successful organ retrieval among patients referred from the ED.
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Comparative Study
Intermethod reliability of real-time versus delayed videotaped evaluation of a high-fidelity medical simulation septic shock scenario.
High-fidelity medical simulation (HFMS) is increasingly utilized in resident education and evaluation. No criterion standard of assessing performance currently exists. This study compared the intermethod reliability of real-time versus videotaped evaluation of HFMS participant performance. ⋯ Real-time and videotaped-based evaluations of resident performance of both technical and nontechnical skills during an HFMS septic shock scenario provided equally reliable methods of assessment.
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The Emergency Severity Index (ESI) triage algorithm is a five-level triage acuity tool used by emergency department (ED) triage nurses to rate patients from Level 1 (most acute) to Level 5 (least acute). ESI has established reliability and validity in an all-age population, but has not been well studied for pediatric triage. This study assessed the reliability and validity of the ESI for pediatric triage at five sites. ⋯ Reliability of the ESI for pediatric triage is moderate. The ESI provides a valid stratification of pediatric patients into five distinct groups. We found several areas in which nurses have difficulty triaging pediatric patients consistently. The study results are being used to develop pediatric-specific ESI educational materials to strengthen reliability and validity for pediatric triage.