International emergency nursing
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Ankle injuries can account for up to 3.8% of UK Emergency Department (ED) presentations per annum and this figure is comparative to the 4.4% in North America. Growing ED attendance impacts on crowding, waiting times, patient satisfaction and service provision. One way to streamline service would be widespread use of the Ottawa Ankle Rules (OAR), which reduces the need to wait for radiography. ⋯ A strong body of evidence supports OAR use in reducing radiography but further research is needed to explore impact on LoS. This would inform clinical practice and potentially combat current pressures faced within EDs worldwide.
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To ascertain the efficacy of fascia iliaca block for providing analgesia for adults with proximal femoral fractures when compared with standard management. The potential for non-medical practitioners to deliver this block was also assessed. ⋯ FICB is an effective method of providing analgesia in these patients without the undesirable side effects of systemic opioids. Non- medical practitioners are capable of administering this block.
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Sepsis is a serious condition which requires early treatment. We often fail to recognize sepsis patients in the chain of prehospital care. Knowledge of how sepsis is expressed in calls to the emergency medical communication centre (EMCC) is limited. An increased understanding could lead to earlier identification of patients with sepsis. ⋯ Sepsis was described in terms of the physical symptoms, changes of condition and communication abilities of the patient. This knowledge could lead to the identification of keywords which could be incorporated in the decision tool used by the EMD to increase sepsis identification, but further research is required.
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The emergency department at Yoseftal hospital in Eilat is on the shore of the Red Sea, and it is visited by patients with marine wildlife injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of supportive nursing care on the pain level of patients with Red Sea marine wildlife injuries. ⋯ Nursing training and patient guidance contributed to increasing cooperation with patients and pain reduction. Therefore, training interventions should be structured and assimilated as an integral part of nursing practice.