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 determine whether peripheral veins can be detected by ultrasound (US) and to determine vein characteristics, as measured by US, that are associated with successful peripheral venous (PV) catheterization in young children. ⋯ Ultrasound appears to be capable of detecting peripheral veins in children younger than 7 years of age, with lack of US vein visualization likely leading to unsuccessful PV placement. Greater vein length visualization may be a useful predictor of successful PV catheterization.
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To determine whether heart rate variability (HRV) measures can be used to predict which septic patients in the emergency department (ED) will progress to septic shock. ⋯ HRV measures may be used to identify septic ED patients with impending septic shock. Among those HRV measures, root mean square successive difference seems to be the best indicator to predict the occurrence of septic shock.
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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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The Broselow pediatric emergency tape (BT) was developed to provide a length-based estimate of body weight and equipment size during resuscitation. ⋯ The BT can be used in Korean children as a helpful adjunct during resuscitation to estimate the weight and ETT size.