Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Aug 2010
Case ReportsLumbosacral plexopathy due to a rupture of a common Iliac artery aneurysm.
We report a case of lumbosacral plexopathy caused by the rupture of a common iliac artery aneurysm. The patient presented with sciatic type symptoms of lower back pain radiating to his left leg with associated numbness and weakness in the L4-S1 distribution. ⋯ Sciatica is commonly due to a prolapsed intervertebral disc, although spinal canal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, piriformis syndrome and spinal tumours and other causes need to be considered. This case serves to increase the awareness of the possibility of another uncommon cause, especially when additional atypical neurological symptoms exist.
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To establish the incidence and pattern of injuries in patients presenting to hospital with tram-related injuries. ⋯ Most cases of trauma related to trams have minor injuries and are discharged following ED management. Primary prevention of falls in trams and the separation of pedestrians from trams are key areas requiring immediate improvement. In the face of increasing trauma associated with trams, continuing safety surveillance and targeted public safety messages are important to sustain trams as safe and effective mode of transport.
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Emerg Med Australas · Aug 2010
Can e-learning improve medical students' knowledge and competence in paediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation? A prospective before and after study.
To determine whether the use of an e-learning package was able to improve the knowledge and competence of medical students, in a simulated paediatric resuscitation. ⋯ E-learning does improve both the knowledge and competence of medical students in paediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation at least in the simulation environment.
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Emerg Med Australas · Aug 2010
Emergency physician credentialing for resuscitative thoracotomy for trauma.
A low case incidence and variable skill level prompted the development of a credentialing programme and specific surgical training in resuscitative thoracotomy for emergency physicians at The Alfred, a Level 1 Adult Victorian Major Trauma Service. ⋯ Emergency physicians working in high-volume Trauma Centres are expected to diagnose cardiac tamponade and on occasion decompress the pericardium. Specific training in the procedure should be undertaken.