Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
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To examine the population and geographic patterns, patient characteristics, and clinical presentations and outcomes of alcohol-related ED visits at a national level. ⋯ Alcohol abuse poses a major burden on the emergency medical care system. The age, gender, and geographic characteristics of alcohol-related ED visits are consistent with drinking patterns in the general population.
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To determine the consistency of responses to a standardized 2-part "key" question (Key-Q) about acute symptom onset in patients presenting with chest pain when measured using alternative questions (Qs) about symptom perception and decisions to seek treatment. ⋯ The Key-Q elicited a response recalled near the time of first symptoms and generally before the patient had concluded something was "wrong or that he or she was ill." Measurement of the out-of-hospital delay in chest pain patients using the Key-Q appears promising.