Prehospital and disaster medicine
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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.
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Prehosp Disaster Med · Jan 1997
Comparative StudyComparison of a colorimetric end-tidal CO2 detector and an esophageal aspiration device for verifying endotracheal tube placement in the prehospital setting: a six-month experience.
Hand held, colorimetric, end-tidal CO2 detector devices are being used to verify correct endotracheal tube (ETT) placement. The accuracy of these devices has been questioned in situations of cardiac arrest. The use of the esophageal detector device (EDD) is an easy alternative for detection of ETT placement, and may be more accurate in situations of cardiac arrest. ⋯ The EDD was accurate in all cases of orotracheal intubation, and was easier to use than was end-tidal CO2 detector device. It was preferred by 75% of participating EMS providers. In cases in which the ETT may be above the vocal cords, caution must be used with interpreting the results obtained by use of the EDD.
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The purpose of this project was to improve the identification, treatment, and referral of domestic violence victims by prehospital care providers (Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics) and emergency department personnel. The training focused on the definition of domestic violence, procedures to use when questioning patients about abuse, Utah's mandatory reporting law, and the referral of victims to community resources. ⋯ Although providers felt confident asking questions about abuse, the providers did not question patients unless they suspected domestic violence was the cause of the injury. Further training needs to be offered to staff to encourage regular screening for all adult patients.