The American journal of emergency medicine
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Review Meta Analysis
The global incidence of in-flight medical emergencies: A systematic review and meta-analysis of approximately 1.5 billion airline passengers.
Medical emergencies during short- or long-haul commercial airline flights have become more commonplace due to the aviation industry's contemporary growth, the popularization of commercial flights, and an increased aging of air travelers with significant comorbidities. However, the precise incidence of onboard medical events on commercial airlines and the most common medical conditions is unclear. ⋯ In-flight medical events on commercial travels are extremely low with a corresponding very low in-flight mortality rate. Associated costs derived from en-route diversion might significantly influence airlines' budgetary equilibrium. Novel and modern standardized reporting systems or platforms should be internationally provided and enforced by health and aviation authorities to obtain higher quality patient-passengers datasets. Onboard volunteer medical providers must be aware of everyday life-threatening events during commercial flights and should consider the establishment of a connection between the aircraft and ground-based medical advisory services while assisting in-flight medical events.
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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a member of the coronavirus family, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The phenotype of the disease varies from asymptomatic, to a mild phenotype, through to the severe form of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which often leads to death, especially in those with underlying diseases. ⋯ Some cancer treatments such as CAR T cell therapy can produce a cytokine storm, which is also a hallmark of severe COVID-19. Therefore, patients receiving CAR T cells are at higher risk if they become infected with COVID-19, and could be treated with anti-cytokine approaches.
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Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective but underutilized method of HIV prevention. Emergency departments (EDs) have access to at-risk populations meeting CDC eligibility criteria for PrEP. Characterizing this population could help motivate, develop, and implement ED interventions to promote PrEP uptake. ⋯ A large subgroup of this ED population was eligible for PrEP referral. EDs are a compelling setting for development and implementation of HIV prevention interventions to assist in national efforts to expand PrEP.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
How does the side of approach impact the force delivered during external chest compression?
We investigated the biomechanics of four external chest compression (ECC) approaches involving different sides of approach and hand placement during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). ⋯ The higher differences in pressure and force under the LsLc and RsRc approaches may lead to higher risks of potential injury. When performing standard-quality ECC, the LsRc and RsLc approaches, in which compression pressure and force are better distributed, may be more suitable than RsRc or LsLc.
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Cannabidiol (CBD) has become a popular supplement in consumer products in recent years, resulting in part from normalization of the cultivation of low THC cannabis in 2018. However, the actual content of CBD-labeled products is frequently uncertain, as oversight of such products is minimal. To date, there is little pragmatic knowledge regarding exposures to products labeled as containing CBD. ⋯ Cases reported to Poison Control Centers regarding exposures to CBD-labeled products have been increasing, representing an emerging trend of interest to Poison Control Center professionals, clinicians, and public health officials. Further monitoring of this trend is recommended.