Prehospital emergency care : official journal of the National Association of EMS Physicians and the National Association of State EMS Directors
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The study was conducted to determine whether the use of prehospital instant photography of motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) by paramedics altered receiving physician (RP) perception of the magnitude of crash severity, as compared with verbal reports of vehicle damage. In addition, the study sought to determine whether altered RP perception resulted in any subsequent changes in emergency department (ED) management. ⋯ The augmentation of verbal paramedic reports with prehospital instant photographs frequently altered both physician perception of MVC severity and subsequent ED management of these trauma patients. However, cost to the patient and length of hospital stay were not significantly altered as a result of the change in physician perception.
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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.
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Comparative Study
Influence of demographic variables in prehospital treatment of patients with chest pain.
To determine whether the number of interventions requested by EMS personnel for patients with acute, nontraumatic chest pain varied with the patient's gender or race. ⋯ Among older patients and among young females, EMS personnel requested similar numbers of interventions for patient complaining of acute, nontraumatic chest pain regardless of patients race. Patterns of care appeared to differ for young males, a finding that warrants further study.