Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Aug 2023
Randomized Controlled TrialSOFTLY: Comparison of outcomes of rigid versus soft collar during emergency department investigation for potential cervical spine injury in low-risk blunt trauma patients - A pilot study.
Blunt trauma patients with potential cervical spine injury are traditionally immobilised in rigid collars. Recently, this has been challenged. The present study's objective was comparison of the rate of patient-oriented adverse events in stable, alert, low-risk patients with potential cervical spine injuries immobilised in rigid versus soft collars. ⋯ Use of soft rather than rigid collar immobilisation for low-risk blunt trauma patients with potential cervical spine injury is significantly less painful for patients and results in less agitation. A larger study is needed to determine the safety of this approach or whether collars are required at all.
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Emerg Med Australas · Aug 2023
Randomized Controlled TrialDroperidol versus ondansetron for nausea treatment within the emergency department.
A randomised single-blind trial was undertaken in an adult ED population, comparing the effectiveness of droperidol 2.5 mg IV with ondansetron 8 mg IV for the treatment of nausea and vomiting. ⋯ There was no statistically significant difference in the primary outcome of symptom improvement between droperidol and ondansetron. Secondary outcomes which favour droperidol warrant further exploration.
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Emerg Med Australas · Aug 2023
Introduction of an emergency medicine pharmacist-led sepsis alert response system in the emergency department: A cohort study.
To determine effects of implementing a sepsis alert response system in the ED that included early intervention by emergency medicine (EM) pharmacists. ⋯ Implementation of a sepsis alert response that included early involvement of the EM pharmacist was associated with improvement in time to antimicrobials and other components of the sepsis bundle. An upfront, multidisciplinary approach to patients presenting to the ED with suspected sepsis should be considered more broadly.
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Emerg Med Australas · Aug 2023
Multicenter StudyUnderstanding experiences of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander patients at the emergency departments in Australia.
The present study describes the experiences of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander patients and the factors that shaped their experiences of ED visits in regional settings. ⋯ A holistic approach and a robust hospital commitment to address cultural needs while considering overall health, social and emotional wellbeing, will enhance Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander patients' satisfaction for ED visits.
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Emerg Med Australas · Aug 2023
Intentional Paediatric Poisoning Presentations to Emergency Departments During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
To characterise paediatric poisoning presentations to EDs and determine if the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased intentional paediatric poisoning presentations. ⋯ Intentional paediatric poisoning presentations increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in our study population. These results may support an emerging body of evidence that the psychological strain of COVID-19 disproportionately impacts adolescent females.