Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
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To explore hospital characteristics and indicators of emergency department (ED) care of older patients associated with return visits to the ED. ⋯ In general, more limited ED resources and indicators of ED care (weekend visits, fewer available hospital beds) are associated with return ED visits in seniors, although the magnitude of the effects is generally small.
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To characterize the initial management of patients with sickle cell disease and an acute pain episode, to compare these practices with the American Pain Society Guideline for the Management of Acute and Chronic Pain in Sickle-Cell Disease in the emergency department, and to identify factors associated with a delay in receiving an initial analgesic. ⋯ Patients with an acute painful episode related to sickle cell disease experienced significant delays to administration of an initial analgesic.
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To determine what percentage of out-of-hospital laryngoscopes meet a predetermined minimal illumination criterion and what factors may be altered to improve illumination. ⋯ Only a small percentage of out-of-hospital laryngoscopes met the minimal illumination criterion. There was a statistically significant increase in illumination after replacement with new batteries, replacement with a new bulb, replacement with new batteries and a new bulb, or attachment of a disposable blade. Optimal changing of lightbulbs and batteries in the out-of-hospital setting will have to be more clearly defined.
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An estimate of a child's weight is required for critical interventions, particularly pharmacotherapy. Weight measurement is not always practical, so weight estimation methods are used. Recently, a new weight estimation formula was suggested. The Argall formula estimates weight in kilograms as follows: (age in years + 2) x 3. ⋯ The Argall weight estimation formula has poor accuracy for weight estimation in Australian children, in particular those weighing more than 35 kg.
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To describe the current state of the art for pain and sedation management for five common pediatric emergency department (ED) procedure scenarios. ⋯ Pain and sedation management methods for pediatric procedures continue to evolve. Despite gains, there is still room for improvement, particularly regarding intravenous catheter insertions.