Prehospital emergency care : official journal of the National Association of EMS Physicians and the National Association of State EMS Directors
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To compare the amount of segmental vertebral motion produced with the lateral recovery position and the HAINES technique when performed on cadavers with destabilized cervical spines. ⋯ At this time, no single version of the recovery position can be endorsed for the spine-injured trauma patient. More research is needed to fully ascertain the safety of commonly used recovery positions.
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The number of ambulance crewmembers may affect the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in particular situations. However, few studies have investigated how the number of emergency care providers affects the quality of CPR. Nonetheless, problems in the initial handling of patients due to small ambulance crew sizes may have significant consequences. ⋯ The patient eventually died. This case highlights the requirement for specific instructions for paramedics to manage obese patients in these emergency conditions. This case also highlights the need to take into account body mass index when deciding on appropriate pre-hospital care, especially regarding the number of ambulance crewmembers.
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To evaluate the ability of out-of-hospital physiologic measures to predict serious injury for field triage purposes among older adults and potentially reduce the undertriage of seriously injured elders to non-trauma hospitals. ⋯ Existing out-of-hospital physiologic triage criteria could be revised to better identify seriously injured older adults at the expense of increasing overtriage to major trauma centers.
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Observational Study
Paramedics Accurately Apply the Pediatric Assessment Triangle to Drive Management.
To provide an evaluation of the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) as an assessment tool for use by paramedic providers in the prehospital care of pediatric patients. ⋯ The PAT is a rapid assessment tool that can be readily and reliably used by paramedics in the prehospital setting. The PAT should be used in conjunction with other assessments but can safely drive initial field management.