Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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A short cut review was carried out to establish whether a normal cervical spine radiograph excludes bony cervical spine injury in alert, asymptomatic trauma patients. Altogether 232 papers were found using the reported search, of which six presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these best papers are shown in table 2. A clinical bottom line is stated.
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To define the ability of UK paramedics to recognise ST segment elevation using a prehospital 12 lead electrocardiogram (ECG). ⋯ UK paramedics can recognise ST elevation using a 12 lead ECG. Radio transmission of an ECG may not be necessary to pre-alert the hospital.
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A short cut review was carried out to establish whether antibiotics reduce infective complications after puncture wounds to the foot. A total of 29 papers were found using the reported search, of which none answered the question posed. Further research is needed in this area.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
A randomised trial to investigate the efficacy of magnesium sulphate for refractory ventricular fibrillation.
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) remains the most salvageable rhythm in patients suffering a cardiopulmonary arrest (CA). However, outcome remains poor if there is no response to initial defibrillation. Some evidence suggests that intravenous magnesium may prove to be an effective antiarrhythmic agent in such circumstances. ⋯ Intravenous magnesium given early in patients suffering CA with refractory or recurrent VF did not significantly improve the proportion with a ROSC or who were discharged from hospital alive.
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To assess the uptake, usage and acceptability of TOXBASE, the National Poisons Information Service internet toxicology information service. ⋯ TOXBASE has been extensively accessed since being placed on the internet (http://www.spib.axl.co.uk). The pattern of enquiries mirrors clinical presentation with poisoning. The system seems to be easily used. It is a model for future delivery of treatment guidelines at the point of patient care.