Postgraduate medical journal
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Heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia (HIT) is a severe and potentially life-threatening adverse drug reaction. Patients become extremely hypercoagulable, and this can lead to life-threatening and limb-threatening thrombosis with a mortality of 5%-10%. ⋯ Patients suspected of having HIT must not receive any further heparin or low-molecular weight heparin and must be started on an alternative anticoagulant such as argatroban or danaparoid. Fondaparinux may also be considered but is not licenced for this indication.
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Observational Study
Localisation of the cricothyroid membrane by digital palpation in the emergency department.
A surgical approach to airway management may be essential in situations of difficult or failed airway, where immediate airway access is needed to provide oxygenation. However, the procedure is uncommonly performed and expertise among emergency clinicians may be limited. ⋯ Clinical localisation of CTM by emergency medicine trainees was poor even in non-stressful settings, and warrants further dedicated education and/or use of adjunct techniques.