Annals of emergency medicine
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We investigated the hydrodynamic characteristics of IV infusion sets for rapid fluid resuscitation. A simple technique has been devised for quantitative evaluation of the hydrodynamic characteristics of IV sets, including their components, for a range of infusion pressures. ⋯ At gravity-delivered pressures (50 and 100 mm Hg), the only effective way of increasing flow rate (more than twofold) is to use a low-resistance drip chamber or to use two infusion sites. At pressurized delivery pressures (more than 200 mm Hg), increasing catheter size from 18 to 14 gauge would be more effective than doubling the number of infusion sets. Also, a more efficient drip chamber adds an important advantage. Finally, increasing the tubing diameter adds only minimal benefit.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Reducing the pain of local anesthetic infiltration: warming and buffering have a synergistic effect.
To compare room-temperature unbuffered lidocaine, warm lidocaine, buffered lidocaine, and warm buffered lidocaine to determine which of the four solutions is least painful during infiltration. ⋯ Skin infiltration with warm buffered lidocaine is significantly less painful than infiltration with room-temperature unbuffered lidocaine, warm lidocaine, or buffered lidocaine.
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To determine the incidence of blunt trauma in northern New York City before and after the distribution of 25,000 baseball bats at Yankee Stadium. ⋯ The distribution of 25,000 wooden baseball bats to attendees at Yankee Stadium did not increase the incidence of bat-related trauma in the Bronx and northern Manhattan. There was a positive correlation between daily temperature and the incidence of bat injury. The informal but common impressions of emergency clinicians about the cause-and-effect relationship between Bat Day and bat trauma were unfounded.
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To date, the study of critical illness in the emergency department has been limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the ED length of stay and procedures performed in medical critical care patients. ⋯ Critically ill patients spend a substantial amount of time in the ED before transfer to the ICU. Typical ICU procedures are commonly performed. Further study of the impact on patient outcome of ED stay and the procedures performed in critically ill medical patients should be conducted.
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To gather preliminary data on the safety and efficacy of IV magnesium in a rat model of hydrofluoric acid burns. ⋯ High-dose IV magnesium sulfate reduces the severity of hydrofluoric acid burn compared with conventional intradermal calcium gluconate therapy. Early deaths appeared to be prevented by both calcium and magnesium therapies.