Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
-
Prior research has demonstrated that rigid cervical collars cause an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP). The mechanism for this effect is unclear and one proposed mechanism involves obstruction of venous outflow in the neck. Ultrasound (US) allows assessment of internal jugular vein dimensions and may yield information regarding the mechanism for the increase in ICP seen with rigid collar application. ⋯ Internal jugular vein cross-sectional area increases after application of a rigid cervical collar. This supports the hypothesis that venous obstruction in the neck may contribute to the increase in ICP seen after rigid collar application.
-
Repetitive practice with feedback in residency training is essential in the development of procedural competency. Lightly embalmed cadaver laboratories provide excellent simulation models for a variety of procedures, but to the best of our knowledge, none describe a central venous access model that includes the key psychomotor feedback elements for the procedure, namely intravascular contents that allow for determination of correct needle position by either ultrasonographic imaging and/or aspiration or vascular contents. ⋯ For the key psychomotor elements of central venous access, the lightly embalmed cadaver with intravascular water-soluble gel infusion provided a procedural model that closely simulated clinicians' experience with patients.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Use of an automated device for external chest compressions by first-aid workers unfamiliar with the device: a step toward public access?
The objective was to establish the feasibility of using an automated external chest compression (ECC) device among first-aid workers unfamiliar with the device. ⋯ An automated ECC device can be rapidly placed and used by first-aid workers unfamiliar with the device. In the light of these results, use of the device by the general public can be envisaged.
-
The purpose of this article is to highlight medical education research studies published in 2008 that were methodologically superior and whose outcomes were pertinent to teaching and education in emergency medicine. ⋯ This review highlights quality medical education research studies published in 2008, with outcomes of relevance to teaching and education in emergency medicine. It focuses on research methodology, notes current trends in the use of technology for learning in emergency medicine, and suggests future avenues for continued rigorous study in education.