Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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There is significant interest in the secondary transport of the critically ill and injured. High profile cases entailing the long distance transfer of patients have highlighted the lack of availability of critical care beds and appropriate systems for transferring this patient group. These and other issues have culminated in the release of Comprehensive Critical Care by the Department of Health in 2000. ⋯ It is imperative that clinicians have an understanding of the issues surrounding transportation of the critically ill and injured. This should include appreciation of the local and regional organisational frameworks implemented for this patient group. This review describes the core issues relevant to emergency medicine relating to the transportation of the critically ill and injured.
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A short cut review was carried out to establish whether screw tipped intraosseous needles were better than standard intraosseous needles. Altogether 35 papers were found using the reported search, of which one 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 this best paper are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.
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A short cut review was carried out to establish whether nimodipine is better than placebo at reducing mortality and neurological sequelae in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage. Altogether 465 papers were found using the reported search, of which one 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 this best paper are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.
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Transverse sacral fractures associated with cauda equina syndrome are uncommon lesions and often missed at the time of presentation. This case report highlights the benign presentation and the unpleasant outcome of such an injury.