The American journal of emergency medicine
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The intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) is a newly available device designed to allow for blind endotracheal intubation and treatment of patients with difficult airways. We studied the intubation success rates and speed with initial use of this device on an intubation manikin to determine whether this device might be easily used by trained and untrained personnel. Rapid and successful intubation with a device requiring limited or no training could have widespread implications for both health care providers and laypersons. ⋯ Success rates on first attempt correlated with level of training, prior intubation experience, and prior LMA use (all P < .001). After a <60 second demonstration, medical and nonmedical personnel with and without prior intubation training can successfully use the ILMA to rapidly establish an airway in a manikin model. The ILMA should be further studied to determine if it may permit endotracheal intubation by first responders, paramedical personnel, and other medical staff with limited or no laryngoscopy skills.
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Effective planning is essential for medical personnel preparing to provide emergency care at mass gatherings. At large concerts where audience members participate in "moshing," crowd surfing, and stage diving, there may be a potential for a dramatic increase in injuries requiring medical attention. Injuries seen at emergency medical stations at 3 concerts, all with large mosh pits, over 4 event days were recorded and evaluated. ⋯ There were 37% (466 patients, 25.1 per 10,000) of incidents related to moshing activity. Hospital transport was required for 2.5% (39 patients, 2.1 per 10,000) of medical visits with 74% (29 patients, 1.5 per 10,000) of those transported being for mosh pit-related injuries. When planning emergency medical care for such concerts with mosh pits, the potential for an increase in the number of medical incidents and injuries requiring medical attention and hospital transport should be taken into account for efficient medical coverage.
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Letter Case Reports
Ruptured thoracic aorta aneurysm after spontaneous pneumothorax drainage.