Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
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To determine whether suicide mortality rates for a cohort of patients seen and subsequently discharged from the ED for a suicide-related complaint were higher than for ED comparison groups. ⋯ The suicide rate among these ED patients is higher than population-based estimates. Rates among patients with suicidal ideation, overdose, or self-harm are especially high, supporting policies that mandate psychiatric interventions in all cases.
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To describe and analyze the intubating conditions and hemodynamic effects of etomidate in patients undergoing rapid sequence intubation (RSI) in the emergency department. ⋯ Etomidate appears to provide appropriate intubating conditions in a heterogeneous group of patients undergoing RSI in the emergency department. Hemodynamic stability appears to be present following administration of this agent, even in patients with low pre-RSI blood pressure. This attribute must be weighed against potential adverse effects of this agent, including adrenal suppression.
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To investigate the association of seatbelt nonuse with injury patterns, injury severity, and in-patient hospital admission among adults presenting to emergency departments (EDs) in a statewide, population-based, sample of motor vehicle crashes. ⋯ Among patients presenting to an ED after a motor vehicle crash, unbelted occupants are more likely to require inpatient admission and to have sustained a severe injury to numerous body regions than are belted occupants.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
An emergency department intervention to increase booster seat use for lower socioeconomic families.
To evaluate the effectiveness of booster seat education within an emergency department (ED) setting for families residing in lower socioeconomic neighborhoods. ⋯ Education in a pediatric ED did not convince parents to purchase and use booster seats; however, the combination of education with installation significantly increased booster seat use in this population.
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Multicenter Study
How many attempts are required to accomplish out-of-hospital endotracheal intubation?
An important goal of emergency airway management is to complete endotracheal intubation (ETI) correctly, safely, and quickly, and repeated ETI attempts can increase patient morbidity and mortality. Clinical protocols limiting the number of ETI attempts may minimize harm, but this strategy also may reduce the frequency of successful ETI. ⋯ Out-of-hospital rescuers often require multiple attempts to accomplish ETI. A protocol limit of three attempts offers reasonable opportunity for accomplishing ETI within the constraints of the out-of-hospital environment.