Can J Emerg Med
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We evaluated the validity of the Canadian Paediatric Triage and Acuity Scale (PaedCTAS) for children visiting a pediatric emergency department (ED). ⋯ This computerized version of PaedCTAS demonstrates a string association with admission to hospital, admission to PICU and LOS in the ED. These results suggest that PaedCTAS is a valid tool for triage of children in a pediatric ED.
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The TASER (TASER International) is an energy-conducting weapon, that is becoming more frequently used by law enforcement officials to subdue combative individuals. Though generally regarded as a safe alternative, the use of such weapons has been reported to cause serious injuries. We describe a case in which ocular injuries were sustained by impalement with a TASER dart. Emergency physicians should be aware of the potential for serious ophthalmic injuries from TASERs and how such injuries should be managed.
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A full understanding of an injury event and the mechanical forces involved should be important for predicting specific anatomical patterns of injury. Yet, information on the mechanism of injury is often overlooked as a predictor for specific anatomical injury in clinical decision-making. We measured the relationship between mechanism of injury and risk for cervical spine fracture. ⋯ Our study quantitatively demonstrates the relationship between specific mechanisms of injury and the risk of a cervical spine fracture. A full understanding of the injury mechanism would assist providers of emergency health care in assessing risk for injury in trauma patients.
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Ischemic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Canada. In ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), time to reperfusion is a key determinant in reducing morbidity and mortality with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) being the preferred reperfusion strategy. Where PCI is available, delays to definitive care include times to electrocardiogram (ECG) diagnosis and cardiovascular laboratory access. In 2004, the Cardiac Care Network of Ontario recommended implementation of an emergency department (ED) protocol to reduce reperfusion time by transporting patients with STEMI directly to the nearest catheterization laboratory. The model was implemented in Frontenac County in April 2005. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a protocol for rapid access to PCI in reducing door-to-balloon times in STEMI. ⋯ In our region, implementation of an EMS protocol for rapid access to PCI significantly reduced time to reperfusion for patients with STEMI.