Accident and emergency nursing
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After a brief outline of past developments in the training of ambulance personnel, this paper traces the adoption in the UK of Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) courses from the US. The 1991 World Student Games in Sheffield, UK led to liaison between training staff from South Yorkshire Metropolitan Ambulance and Paramedic Service (SYMAPS) and from Western New York Medical Training Institute. ⋯ This is a resume of the scope of the PHTLS provider course. The course concentrates on the principles of PHTLS for the multisystems trauma victim.
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Death can often be distressing but when it occurs in the Accident and Emergency (A & E) department it is often accompanied by the involvement of police and the coroner. It is essential that nurses have a sound understanding of the legal situation, so that they can advise relatives appropriately and so that they know clearly the appropriate practice and procedures to prevent further difficulties. This article seeks to set down some of the basic principles and looks at some situations which can cause anxiety to nursing staff.
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An exploratory descriptive survey of the perceptions of parents of children attending an Accident and Emergency department is described. The study examines parental perceptions of the quality of care received, and explores whether this sphere of patient care requires further attention. ⋯ The study confirmed the usefulness of auditing parents' perceptions of care. Quality aspects of care were highlighted, with lack of information and communication patterns shown to affect the perceived standard of care.