The American surgeon
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The American surgeon · Jun 2000
Comparative StudyA trauma systems assessment of boating safety: a comparison of commercial and recreational boating practices.
With contemporary interest of Trauma Systems and injury prevention strategists focusing upon boating safety, a prospective study was designed to survey practices of commercial and recreational boaters' compliance with United States Coast Guard (USCG) regulations. Data were collected by interview survey. Information was obtained from 24 commercial and 57 recreational boaters. ⋯ Boating practices in these sample populations conform to USCG regulations. Swimming competency exhibited by these boaters is complementary to safe boating behaviors. The consumption of alcohol while boating, although comparable to reported statistics, is still of concern to injury prevention strategists.
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The American surgeon · Jun 2000
Cost savings associated with changes in routine laboratory tests ordered for victims of trauma.
Not all trauma victims evaluated by the trauma service require a full complement of laboratory tests upon admission. This study set out to determine the cost savings and safety of limited laboratory testing of trauma victims. Before 1998, our admission trauma protocol included 11 laboratory tests for all trauma victims. ⋯ No patient care problem was identified. A cost savings of $29.82 per patient or $20,000.00 a year was realized for our institution, with no change in the quality of patient care. Trauma protocols designed to reflect a patient's potential for serious injury can result in a significant cost savings while preserving patient safety.
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Appendicitis due to foreign bodies is rare. Foreign bodies leading to appendicitis or perforation are usually sharp, pointed objects. Lead shot can become lodged in the appendix. ⋯ Bird shot was found obstructing the lumen of the grossly inflamed appendix. Pathology was consistent with acute appendicitis. This case is presented as an interesting consequence of bird shot ingestion.