Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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Chemical burns of the eye represent 7.0%-9.9% of all ocular trauma. Initial management of ocular chemical injuries is irrigation of the eye and conjunctival sac until neutralisation of the tear surface pH is achieved. We present a case of alkali injury in which the raised tear film pH seemed to be unresponsive to irrigation treatment. ⋯ Use of faulty or inappropriate materials can also result in errors. We advocate the use of control litmus pH test in all patients. This would highlight errors in pH measurements and aid in the detection of the end point of irrigation.
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Effective preparedness for pandemic influenza necessitates acquisition and maintenance of vital equipment and infrastructure. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the level of hospital preparedness relating to infrastructure and equipment and performance of the hospital in an avian flu drill. ⋯ This study has identified benchmarks of infrastructure and equipment required for managing a pandemic influenza event and evaluating the level of emergency preparedness of the hospital. The significant relationship between maintaining stockpiles of antiviral medications for patients and staff and performance in an avian flu drill emphasises its importance in the process of maintaining emergency preparedness for a pandemic influenza outbreak.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
An evaluation of an educational intervention to reduce inappropriate cannulation and improve cannulation technique by paramedics.
Intravenous cannulation enables administration of fluids or drugs by paramedics in prehospital settings. Inappropriate use and poor technique carry risks for patients, including pain and infection. We aimed to investigate the effect of an educational intervention designed to reduce the rate of inappropriate cannulation and to improve cannulation technique. ⋯ The educational intervention was effective in bringing about changes leading to enhanced quality and safety in some aspects of prehospital cannulation.