Annals of emergency medicine
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In a hazardous materials event in 2002, the unannounced presentation of 3 symptomatic, contaminated patients to an emergency department (ED) resulted in secondary contamination of 2 ED personnel who experienced skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. The material that caused these injuries was o-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile, a white powder with a peppery odor used largely as a tear gas and riot-control agent. Secondary contamination can cause adverse symptoms and injuries in ED personnel, further contaminate the ED, and potentially lead to costly ED closures and evacuations. To prevent secondary exposure, EDs can educate their staff about the potential for secondary contamination, implement a team approach for handling contaminated patients, establish decontamination protocols, ensure proper selection of and training in the use of personal protective equipment, and simulate drills for receiving contaminated patients.
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We determine the effect of cardiac troponin I point-of-care testing on emergency department (ED) length of stay in chest pain patients. ⋯ Bedside performance of troponin I point-of-care testing by treating nurses significantly reduces ED length of stay.
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We characterize non-work-related finger amputations treated in US hospital emergency departments (EDs) and discuss implications for injury-prevention programs. ⋯ National estimates of finger amputations among US residents indicate that young children and older adults are at greatest risk. Parents or other responsible adults should be aware of the risk of small children's fingers around doorways, and adults should take safety precautions when using power tools.
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Pressure-immobilization bandages are used in countries where neurotoxic snake envenomations are common. They impede lymphatic egress from the bite site and delay systemic venom toxicity. The effectiveness of these devices has not been evaluated in coral snake envenomations. We investigated the efficacy of pressure-immobilization bandages in delaying the onset of systemic toxicity in a porcine model of coral snake envenomation. ⋯ Pressure-immobilization bandages delayed the onset of systemic toxicity in our porcine model of M fulvius envenomation.