Emergency medicine clinics of North America
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Deserts are defined by their arid nature, characterized by little rainfall, and often featuring vast stretches of sandy terrain with sparse vegetation. The resulting variations in temperature, humidity, and topography predispose patients to medical conditions that practitioners in both rural and urban deserts must recognize and manage. This article will equip medical practitioners with the essential knowledge and tools to navigate these complexities, including a description of specific environmental considerations and challenges encountered while providing care in these desert locations, common conditions associated with extreme heat and solar radiation, and animal encounters.
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Cold injury has been documented for centuries and remains a concern for military personnel, winter recreationalists, and urban homeless populations. Treatment advances in the last decades have included thrombolytic and prostaglandin therapies however the mainstay remains early recognition and rapid rewarming. This chapter focuses on frostbite, with a brief overview of other cold related conditions.
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Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. · Aug 2024
ReviewClinical Management of North American Snake and Marine Envenomations.
Envenomations are the 23rd most common reason for calls to US poison control centers, with over 35,000 incidents reported annually. Snake bites account for over 20% of those calls, while marine envenomations are likely underreported at 3% to 4%.1 While these types of envenomations may not be encountered on a daily basis for many physicians, the different types of envenomations warrant unique management strategies based on the offending creature and symptom presentation. This text serves as a review of the epidemiology, clinical presentations, and management of endemic North American species of snakes and marine vertebrate and invertebrate envenomations.
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As human-induced climate change warms the planet, its health impacts will affect all populations, but certain groups will be more vulnerable to its impacts. Given its role as a health care safety net, emergency medicine will play a crucial role in addressing these health conditions. Additionally, with its expertise in disaster medicine, interdisciplinary collaboration, and health care systems knowledge, emergency medicine has the potential to lead the health care sector's response to climate change.
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There is a growing incidence of heat-related illnesses due to rising global temperatures. Heat-related illnesses range from mild to severe, with heat stroke being the most critical. ⋯ Prevention is through hydration, appropriate clothing, recognition of high risk medications, and awareness of environmental conditions. Recognizing heat-related illnesses early in the clinical course and implementing rapid cooling strategies reduces morbidity and mortality.