Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
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End-tidal carbon dioxide (PetCO2) monitoring is becoming more common in both the ED and the out-of-hospital setting. Its main use has been as an aid when confirming endotracheal intubation. However, since CO2 is intrinsically coupled with states of metabolism, circulation, and ventilation, PetCO2 monitoring along with analysis of its capnographic component is becoming increasingly valuable for other uses in the ED. This article reviews the physiology of CO2, the means by which end-tidal CO2 may be monitored, and the components and analysis of the capnogram.
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Comparative Study
Intravenous vs subcutaneous naloxone for out-of-hospital management of presumed opioid overdose.
To determine whether naloxone administered i.v. to out-of-hospital patients with suspected opioid overdose would have a more rapid therapeutic onset than naloxone given subcutaneously (s.q.). ⋯ There was no clinical difference in the time interval to respiratory rate > or =10 breaths/min between naloxone 0.8 mg s.q. and naloxone 0.4 mg i.v. for the out-of-hospital management of patients with suspected opioid overdose. The slower rate of absorption via the s.q. route was offset by the delay in establishing an i.v.
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Comparative Study
University and community hospital medical student emergency medicine clerkship experiences.
To determine whether there is a significant difference between educational opportunities for fourth-year medical students rotating at a university hospital (UH) compared with several community hospitals (CHs) during a mandatory emergency medicine (EM) clerkship. ⋯ The educational opportunities for students in an EM clerkship to evaluate patients and perform procedures were significantly greater at the community hospitals. Inclusion of community hospital settings in a medical student EM clerkship may optimize the clinical experience.