The American journal of emergency medicine
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Observational Study
Does the number of emergency medical technicians affect the neurological outcome of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest?
It is unclear whether the number of paramedics in an ambulance improves the outcome of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) or not. ⋯ The number of paramedics in an ambulance did not affect the outcome in OHCA patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparison of the Macintosh laryngoscope and blind intubation via the iGEL for intubation with cervical spine immobilization: A randomized, crossover, manikin trial.
Endotracheal intubation (ETI) using a Macintosh laryngoscope (MAC) requires the head to be positioned in a modified Jackson position, slightly reclined and elevated. Intubation of trauma patients with an injured neck or spine is therefore difficult, since the neck usually cannot be turned or is already immobilized in order to prevent further injury. The iGEL supraglottic airway seems optimal for such conditions due to its blind insertion without the need of a modified Jackson position. ⋯ We showed that blind intubation with the iGEL supraglottic airway was superior to ETI performed by paramedics in a simulated cervical immobilization scenario in a manikin in terms of success rate, time to definite tube placement, head extension angle, tooth compression, and rating.
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The purpose of this study is to determine the economic value of the Utah Poison Control Center (UPCC) by examining its contribution to the reduction of unnecessary emergency department (ED) visits and associated charges across multiple years. ⋯ Compared to the cost of operation, the service UPCC provides demonstrates economic value by reducing ED visits and associated charges. As the majority of patients have private insurance, the largest benefit falls to private payers.
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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza have varying degree of seasonal overlap. ⋯ The observed incidence of co-infectivity of RSV and influenza was significantly less than the expected incidence even when both were co-circulating. In light of these data, it may be reasonable to forgo rapid influenza testing or empiric antiviral treatment for children whom rapid RSV testing is positive and who are at low risk of influenza-related complications, especially in times of antiviral therapy shortages.