Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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Observational Study
A prospective observational study of techniques to remove corneal foreign body in the emergency department.
Patients with corneal foreign bodies (CFBs) often present to the emergency department (ED). However, removal techniques vary among emergency physicians (EPs). A prospective, single-blinded, observational study was performed to compare slit-lamp-aided (SLA) versus non-slit-lamp-aided (NSLA) CFB removal by EPs. ⋯ We show that patient satisfaction ratings, complications and visual acuity were similar for the two methods. There was a trend for increased pain in the NSLA group at 12 and 24 h. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy and the use of magnification to remove CFBs remains the gold standard of care, and more intensive training should be given to EPs at the departmental level, particularly in EDs that receive patients with eye injuries.
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To explore the effect that different activities included in first aid training can have on an individual's propensity to act in a medical emergency. ⋯ Activities which allow the learner to explore and discuss behaviour in an emergency situation can effectively increase the learner's propensity to act. First aid education should be expanded to support the learner to develop both the skill and the will to help.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study Observational Study
The comparison of modified early warning score with rapid emergency medicine score: a prospective multicentre observational cohort study on medical and surgical patients presenting to emergency department.
There are a few scoring systems in emergency departments (ED) to establish critically ill patients quickly and properly and to predict hospitalisation. We aim to compare the efficacy of Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) and Rapid Emergency Medicine Score (REMS) on in-hospital mortality, and as predictor of hospitalisation in general medical and surgical patients admitted to ED. ⋯ The efficiency of REMS was found to be superior to MEWS as a predictor of in-hospital mortality and hospitalisation in medical and surgical patients admitted to ED.
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A shortcut review was carried out to establish whether levosimendan improves outcome in septic shock. Eight studies were directly relevant to the question. ⋯ The clinical bottom line is that there is as yet no evidence that levosimendan reduces mortality from septic shock. The LeoPARDS trial may change that.