Prehospital emergency care : official journal of the National Association of EMS Physicians and the National Association of State EMS Directors
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Multicenter Study
Difficulties with portable suction equipment used for prehospital advanced airway procedures.
Airway management is the highest priority for prehospital personnel. While different modalities for airway management are under investigation, endotracheal intubation remains the standard for definitive airway protection. Currently, airway adjuncts such as portable suction remain relatively unstudied. ⋯ The results of this study suggest that suction equipment is carried to the scene infrequently and, when employed, is often found to be functioning suboptimally. Suggestions for improvement and further investigation are provided.
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Multicenter Study
Hazardous materials preparedness in the emergency department.
This study was conducted to examine the preparedness of emergency departments (EDs) to safely receive, decontaminate, and treat chemically contaminated patients. ⋯ Hospital hazmat preparedness in this area varies tremendously. A significant proportion of hospitals lack a written plan and equipment to allow the ED to safely and effectively handle the chemically contaminated patient. There is reluctance to discuss this topic.