Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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Transvaginal ultrasound probe contamination by the human papillomavirus in the emergency department.
To determine if human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA can be detected on the transvaginal sonography (TVS) probe in the emergency department (ED) and whether the current barrier method plus disinfection can prevent HPV contamination of the TVS probe. ⋯ HPV is commonly encountered in the ED and contamination of the TVS probe with HPV is possible. Although it is difficult to prove the viability and infectivity of the virus, vigilant infection control measures should be maintained.
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Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in Ireland accounts for approximately 5000 deaths annually. Little published evidence exists on survival from OHCA in this country to date. We aimed to characterise and describe 'presumed cardiac' OHCA in Cork City and County attended by the Ambulance Service. ⋯ A survival rate of 16.7% in shockable rhythms indicates scope for improvement which would influence the overall survival rate which was found to be 7.4%. Real-time feedback of performance and quality of the continuum of patient care through a clinical-quality cardiac arrest registry would monitor and incentivise such initiatives.
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Responding to incidents where access by conventional land-based ambulance assets is limited is an important facet of helicopter emergency medical services operations in rural areas. Often in such cases extra resources must be utilised to enable access to patients and facilitate egress to transport platforms. This case illustrates the importance of coordination and integration with additional resources that can be utilised in remote rural locations.
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To conduct a survey of current alcohol identification and brief advice activity in English Emergency Departments, and to compare the results with the previous survey conducted in 2007. ⋯ There have been significant improvements in ED alcohol identification and brief advice activity since 2007 in line with the recommendations of the Royal College of Physicians, Department of Health and NICE guidelines. English EDs are beginning to maximise the likelihood of identifying patients who may benefit from further help or advice about their alcohol consumption, and are able to offer access to specialist staff who can provide appropriate interventions.
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Delayed access to specialist care for emergency patients is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality, and increased patient anxiety. ⋯ The interventions reduced the time for ED patients to access specialist outpatient and inpatient care. The systematic organisational change management approach resulted in sustained compliance.