Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Comparison between exclusively school teacher-based and mixed school teacher and healthcare provider-based programme on basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation for secondary schools.
To compare two teaching methodologies for PROCES (a basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (b-CPR) programme for secondary school students): one exclusively performed by school teachers (study group) and another by a mixed team of school teachers and healthcare providers (control group). ⋯ Secondary school teachers, previously trained in b-CPR, can teach these skills effectively to 14-16-year-old students using PROCES. The retention of b-CPR skills is greater with this methodology compared with a more standardised programme.
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Enlargement of the optic nerve sheath has been described in patients with raised intracranial pressure (ICP), thereby serving as one of its indicators. Optic nerve sonography offers rapid bedside assessment of the optic nerve sheath diameter and has recently been introduced for the non-invasive detection of raised ICP, particularly in patients with severe brain injury. This review explains the pathophysiology of optic nerve sheath enlargement as a result of intracranial hypertension, describes the technique and clinical use of optic nerve sonography, and summarises the studies which have tested this modality in the non-invasive evaluation of ICP.
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Communication in the emergency department (ED) is a complex process where failure can lead to poor patient care, loss of information, delays and inefficiency. ⋯ The communication process is unduly complex and the potential for breakdowns in communication is significant. There are multiple opportunities for error which may impact on patient care. Use of the FMEA allows members of the multidisciplinary team to uncover the problems within the system and to design countermeasures to improve safety and efficiency.
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Case Reports
U-shaped sacral fracture: an easily missed fracture with high morbidity. A report of two cases.
U-shaped sacral fracture is a very rare injury. This injury is easily missed and the diagnosis is often delayed as it is difficult to detect on the anteroposterior view of the pelvic radiograph. ⋯ In these two cases, full recoveries were achieved following surgical decompression. A high index of suspicion with proper clinical and radiographic assessments will decrease the incidence of missed diagnosis and prevent the occurrence of delayed neurological deficits.