Pediatric emergency care
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Pediatric emergency care · Feb 1998
Case ReportsNeurologic injuries associated with all-terrain vehicles and recommendations for protective measures for the pediatric population.
To present data and case studies illustrating the danger, especially in the pediatric population, of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use, and to provide recommendations for pediatricians on how to educate parents concerning ATVs. ⋯ Although perceived as recreational toys, ATVs can be extremely unsafe, especially for children and adolescents; pediatricians should educate parents and patients on the dangers of riding these vehicles.
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Pediatric emergency care · Feb 1998
Planning model of resource utilization in an academic pediatric emergency department.
This study describes a field observation study and use of simulation to quantify the effect of patient arrival rate and physician practices on physician idle time and patient wait time. The observation study measured actual service (diagnosis, therapy, and charting) times for 126 patients. Subsequently, a FORTRAN simulation model examined effects of physician practices and patient arrival rate on physician utilization and patient wait time. ⋯ Overall, most patients benefit from shorter visits. Finally, the study suggested maximum rather than average wait time be considered as a measure of emergency department capacity and quality of service provided. Although average wait times seemed reasonable, maximum wait times were at times quite long and could impact both physician's and patient's perceptions of service quality.
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Pediatric emergency care · Feb 1998
A prospective evaluation of pediatric emergency care during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia.
To explore the impact that a temporary influx of millions of people can make on the local pediatric emergent and urgent care systems. The spectrum of illness was also explored. ⋯ A large influx of people resulted in a relatively minor impact on the emergent care system for children. Care could have been improved if those with chronic illnesses were better informed of regional health care centers, essential medical needs for travel, and if travel included a physician's medical summary. In addition, anticipation of the Olympic Games helped the pediatric emergency medicine community improve disaster preparedness, and enhance its working relationship with the adult emergency medicine community and the regional poison center. Ongoing efforts for disaster preparedness with periodic reevaluation have also been established.
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Pediatric burn injuries present a major challenge to the health care team, but an orderly, systematic approach can simplify the initial stabilization and management. A clear understanding of the pathology of burn injuries is essential in providing quality burn care in the prehospital setting and at the referring hospital. After the patient has been rescued from the offending agent, assessment of the burn victim begins with the primary survey and life-threatening injuries initially addressed first. ⋯ During the initial assessment and treatment and throughout the transport, an adequate airway, breathing, circulation, fluid resuscitation, urine output, and pain control must be assured. Ideally, transport of burn victims will occur through and organized, protocol driven plan that includes specialized transport mechanisms and personnel. Successful transport of burn victims, whether in the pre-hospital phase or during inter-hospital transfer, requires careful attention to treatment priorities, protocols, and attention to detail.