Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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The impacts of emergency work on firefighters have been well documented and summarised, but this is not the case for paramedics. This paper explores the literature regarding the impact of work stress on paramedics. ⋯ More studies are needed to characterise paramedics' behaviour at work. These studies could allow the development of targeted strategies to prevent health problems reported in paramedics.
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A short cut review was carried out to establish whether metronomes can improve the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. 38 papers were found using the reported searches, none of which directly addressed the problem but some 21 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 those best papers are tabulated. It is concluded that the use of metronomes to guide the rate at which external chest compressions are delivered is associated with improved rates closer to those recommended in the current resuscitation guidelines.
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A short cut review was carried out to establish whether routine nasogastric decompression with a nasogastric tube improved the process and outcome of care in adults with small bowel occlusion. 211 papers were found using the reported searches, of which 1 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 paper is tabulated. It is concluded that there is no scientific evidence for the routine use of nasogastric tubes in these patients.
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A short cut review was carried out to establish whether testing for troponin levels is useful after discharge of an Implanted Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD). Many papers were found using the reported searches, none of which directly addressed the problem but some 13 presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. ⋯ It is concluded that the number of ICD discharges must be taken into account when evaluating any troponin level rise. Overall a positive troponin assay post ICD discharge is independently associated with an increased mortality.