Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
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To evaluate the efficacy of demonstrating pericardial effusion and tamponade using real-time ultrasound. ⋯ We conclude that the porcine model is an adequate model to demonstrate pericardial effusion using real-time ultrasound.
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To compare placement of IO lines using a traditional method with placement using a new device called the bone injection gun (BIG). ⋯ In the education setting, times to establishment of an IO line were similar using both the traditional method of insertion and the BIG device. Ratings of both the students and paramedics were similar with respect to each-of-use for both the methods.
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To determine a minimum percentage of patients transported by ALS for difficulty breathing who could potentially benefit from a pre-hospital trial of CPAP. ⋯ Using very strict criteria, a small but not significant percentage of patients are optimal candidates for a prehospital trial of CPAP. Transport times would appear to justify this type of intervention. A prospective study is currently under way to test the feasibility of administering CPAP to such patients in the prehospital setting.
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To study the effect of both shaking of the microwaved bag and heat loss during delivery. ⋯ Absence of shaking of the microwaved fluids does not produce "hot spots." Higher initial temperatures out of the bag should be considered as well as warming of the IV tubing.
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To assess perceptions of emergency medicine (EM) program directors (PDs) of the resident selection process. ⋯ Applicants who interview in >1 specialty are viewed negatively by PDs. Post-interview communications by applicants are viewed with skepticism. Gamesmanship is practiced commonly during the resident selection process.