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 investigate emergency medical services (EMS) providers' experience with weapons encountered while working, and evaluate the training they have received regarding searching for and confiscating weapons in the field. ⋯ These data suggest that weapons encountered in the field are a widespread problem for EMS providers. Although many EMS providers search for and find weapons on their patients, most of them feel they have been inadequately trained in this area. Prospective studies are needed to document the actual incidence of weapon encounters in the prehospital setting. Multidisciplinary discussions are needed to address the above issues.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
The reliability of prehospital clinical evaluation for potential spinal injury is not affected by the mechanism of injury.
Traditional EMS teaching identifies mechanism of injury as an important predictor of spinal injury. Clinical criteria to select patients for immobilization are being studied in Michigan and have been implemented in Maine. Maine requires automatic immobilization of patients with "a positive mechanism" clearly capable of producing spinal injury. ⋯ Mechanism of injury does not affect the ability of clinical criteria to predict spinal injury in this population.
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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.
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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.