Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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A short cut review was carried out to establish whether a period of fasting increases the safety of Biers' block (intravenous regional anaesthesia). A total of 50 papers were found using the reported search, of which four 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 tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.
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A short cut review was carried out to establish whether primary split skin grafting is better than simple wound edge approximation at reducing time to healing in patients with pretibial flap lacerations. A total of 72 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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Multicenter Study
Survey of attitudes of senior emergency physicians towards the introduction of emergency department ultrasound.
Emergency department ultrasound (EDU) is widely practised in the USA, Australia, parts of Europe, and Asia. EDU has been used in the UK since the late 1990s but as yet, few areas have established a practice. ⋯ Despite the vast majority of ED consultants being in favour of EDU, very few actually perform it on a regular basis or have had any formal training. Highlighted difficulties in EDU implementation included financial constraints, lack of support from radiology departments, and lack of formal training.
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A short cut review was carried out to establish whether colour Doppler ultrasound is more sensitive than clinical examination in ruling out testicular torsion. A total of 284 papers were found using the reported search, of which seven 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 tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.
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Multicenter Study
A review of emergency equipment carried and procedures performed by UK front line paramedics on paediatric patients.
In 1997 a review of paramedic practice upon adult patients in the UK found many inconsistencies and deficiencies in basic care. A follow up review in 2002 identified widespread improvement in provision of equipment and skills to provide basic and advanced life support.Paediatric care was not assessed in either review. The authors conducted this study to identify current standards of care in paediatric paramedic practice and areas of potential improvement. ⋯ Ambulance Trusts not meeting standards set out in the JRCALC guidelines must address their areas of deficiency. Failure to do so endangers children's lives and leaves Trusts open to criticism.