Prehospital and disaster medicine
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Prehosp Disaster Med · Sep 2005
Comparative StudyThiopental vs. etomidate for rapid sequence intubation in aeromedicine.
Although there is a general agreement that rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is the preferred technique for intubation in aeromedical care, several pharamacological regimens have been employed without clear evidence of which is superior. ⋯ This study found no clinically relevant differences between the use of ETOM or THIO as adjuncts with SCh for RSI in the aeromedical setting.
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Prehosp Disaster Med · Sep 2005
Symptom-based, algorithmic approach for handling the initial encounter with victims of a potential terrorist attack.
This study intended to create symptom-based triage algorithms for the initial encounter with terror-attack victims. The goals of the triage algorithms include: (1) early recognition; (2) avoiding contamination; (3) early use of antidotes; (4) appropriate handling of unstable, contaminated victims; and (5) provisions of force protection. The algorithms also address industrial accidents and emerging infections, which have similar clinical presentations and risks for contamination as weapons of mass destruction (WMD). ⋯ A civilian, symptom-based, algorithmic approach to the initial encounter with victims of terrorist attacks, industrial accidents, or emerging infections was created. Future studies will address the usability of the algorithms with theoretical cases and utility in prospective, announced and unannounced, field drills. Additionally, future studies will assess the effectiveness of teaching modalities used to reinforce the algorithmic approach.
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On 26 December 2003, an earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale occurred in the city of Bam in southeastern Iran. Bam was destroyed completely, > 43,000 people were killed, and 30,000 were injured. The national and international responses were quick and considerable. Many field hospitals were created and large numbers of patients were evacuated from their homes and transported to hospitals throughout Iran. Nearly 700 patients were transferred to Chamran hospital in Shiraz within the first 48 hours after the earthquake. ⋯ A comprehensive disaster plan is required to ensure a prompt disaster response and coordinated management of a multi-casualty incident. This can influence the outcomes of patients directly. A patient screening tunnel has advantages in rapid and effective evaluation and management of victims in any multi-casualty incident.
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Prehosp Disaster Med · Sep 2005
Disaster modeling: medication resources required for disaster team response.
Responses to disasters involve many factors beyond personnel, such as medical and non-medical equipment and supplies. When disaster teams respond, they must do so with sufficient amounts of medicine and supplies to manage all of the patients expected for several days before re-supply. In order for this process to be efficient and expedient, accurate and advanced planning for supplies needed by disaster workers is necessary. These supplies must provide for general medical care and for hazard-specific problems. ⋯ This model offers a first step in preparing disaster medical teams for deployment.