Wilderness & environmental medicine
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Wilderness Environ Med · Jan 2008
National estimates of outdoor recreational injuries treated in emergency departments, United States, 2004-2005.
To provide national estimates of nonfatal outdoor recreational injuries treated in US emergency departments (EDs). ⋯ The results of this study provide a starting point for further research into the epidemiology of outdoor and wilderness injury. The results reinforce many common perceptions about the nature of these injuries while highlighting the potential severity and long-term consequences of the injuries. The general recommendations of proper planning, preparation, and problem anticipation for outdoor and wilderness injury prevention should be followed to reduce both the number and severity of injuries.
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Wilderness Environ Med · Jan 2008
Practice GuidelineThe use of extrication devices in crevasse accidents: official statement of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine and the Terrestrial Rescue Commission of the International Commission for Alpine Rescue intended for physicians, paramedics, and mountain rescuers.
Injured patients in crevasses who are suspected of having sustained spinal injuries should ideally be extricated after being immobilized in a horizontal position on a stretcher and having a cervical collar applied. Sometimes, however, horizontal stabilization is not possible, because the crevasse is too narrow, and the patient needs to be stabilized in a vertical position. ⋯ The Kendrick Extrication Device stabilizes the position of the body and maintains firm support of the head, neck, and torso. Therefore, the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine supports the use of this device in narrow crevasses, if horizontal evacuation is not possible.
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Wilderness Environ Med · Jan 2008
Hypothermia and other cold-related morbidity emergency department visits: United States, 1995-2004.
Although hypothermia is preventable, little has been published on its epidemiology. This study estimates the incidence of hypothermia and other cold-related morbidity emergency department (ED) visits in the United States. ⋯ Hypothermia and other cold-related morbidity is a preventable resource-intensive condition that tends to affect the disadvantaged.
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Wilderness Environ Med · Jan 2008
Case ReportsPossible anaphylactic reaction due to pulmonary hydatid cyst rupture following blunt chest trauma: a case report and review of the literature.
A hydatid cyst is a parasitic disease caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. It is endemic in many areas, including New Zealand, Australia, and the Mediterranean region. ⋯ Anaphylactic reaction is a rare presentation of pulmonary hydatid cyst disease. In this case report, we report an unusual anaphylactic reaction following pulmonary hydatid cyst rupture secondary to blunt chest trauma.