Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Commercial aviation in-flight emergencies are relatively common, so it is likely that a doctor travelling frequently by air will receive a call for help at some stage in their career. These events are stressful, even for experienced physicians. The present paper reviews what is known about the incidence and types of in-flight emergencies that are likely to be encountered, the international regulations governing medical kits and drugs, and the liability, fitness and indemnity issues facing 'Good Samaritan' medical volunteers. ⋯ Medical volunteers may find assisting with an in-flight emergency stressful, but should acknowledge that they play a vital role in successful outcomes. The medico-legal liability risk is extremely small, and various laws and industry indemnity practices offer additional protection to the volunteer. In addition, cabin crew receive training in a number of emergency skills, including automated defibrillation, and are one of several sources of help available to the medical volunteer, who is not expected to work alone.
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2007
Comparative StudyEvidence-based implementation of adult asthma guidelines in the emergency department: a controlled trial.
To determine if an evidence-based implementation (EBI) strategy could lead to the successful implementation of guidelines for the management of adult asthma in a large rural ED. ⋯ An EBI significantly improved compliance at the study hospital with no improvement noted in the control hospital. These improvements were maintained at 12 month follow up. An EBI can lead to significant improvements in the management of asthma at a large rural referral hospital ED and might have implications for hospitals with similar roles and profiles.
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2007
Experience in adverse events detection in an emergency department: incidence and outcome of events.
The study was performed to determine the incidence, outcome and preventability of adverse events (AE) in an ED. ⋯ In conclusion, the Quality in Australian Health Care Study methodology has been utilized to provide data on incidents and AE in an ED.
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2007
Multifaceted education initiative minimizes pethidine prescribing in the emergency department.
Pain management experts have recommended a diminished role for pethidine because of lack of superiority for any indication and greater potential for adverse effects compared with morphine. ⋯ Our education initiative resulted in a sustained and significant reduction in pethidine prescribing in the ED. Sustainability requires ongoing in-services for ED staff, usually as part of the orientation programme.