Prehospital and disaster medicine
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Prehosp Disaster Med · Apr 1997
Case ReportsAn eight-year review of legal cases related to an urban 9-1-1 paramedic service.
An eight year retrospective analysis was conducted to determine the type and outcome of lawsuits related to the provision of 9-1-1 paramedic service in an urban environment. ⋯ The data suggest that motor vehicle collisions are a significant medical-legal risk to the EMS community. In addition, it was found that the use and lack of use of seatbelts was an important component in many of the suits.
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Prehosp Disaster Med · Apr 1997
Comparative StudySonomatic confirmation of tracheal intubation using the SCOTI.
This study compares the performance of two commercially available devices (Ambu TubeChek and SCOTI) in establishing endotracheal (ET) tube position (oesophageal vs. tracheal) in a mannequin and in miniature pigs. The Ambu TubeChek is a syringe-type, Oesophageal Detector Device (ODD) that fits to the endotracheal tube connector. Air is aspirated easily from the rigid trachea, but not from the collapsing esophagus. ⋯ Intubation followed by tube position assessment with Ambu TubeChek (ODD) was significantly faster and easier with the ODD than with the SCOTI. The SCOTI cannot differentiate tracheal from oesophageal ET-tube position in mini-pigs. In situations in which capnometry is not available or the CO2 production and transport are compromised (CPR), we recommend the use of an Oesophageal Detector Device (ODD) rather than the SOCTI.
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate stress levels in emergency medical services personnel across the United States. ⋯ Stress levels in EMS personnel were very high, were manifested primarily as somatic distress, secondarily as organizational stress and job dissatisfaction, and lastly as negative patient attitudes. Stress levels and subset manifestations of occupational stress among EMS personnel varied depending on gender, marital status, age, level of training and function, on salaried or volunteer status, length of time as an EMT, and size of the organization, city, and population served. Care should be taken to address stresses peculiar to individual EMS system needs.
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Prehosp Disaster Med · Apr 1997
A model for a statewide critical incident stress (CIS) debriefing program for emergency services personnel.
Emergency services personnel are highly vulnerable to acute and cumulative critical incident stress (CIS) that can manifest as anger, guilt, depression, and impaired decision-making, and, in certain instances, job loss. Interventions designed to identify such distress and restore psychological functioning becomes imperative. ⋯ CIS debriefings are judged as beneficial. A statewide response team is an effective way to provide these services at no cost to agencies.