European journal of emergency medicine : official journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine
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Decreased general condition (DGC) is a frequent presenting complaint within the Adaptive Triage Process. DGC describes a nonspecific decline in health and well-being, and it is common among elderly patients in the emergency department (ED). ⋯ Patients presenting with DGC to an ED often receive low triage priority, frequently require admission for in-hospital care, and, because of the three-fold increased risk of in-hospital death compared with others, belong to a high-risk group.
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Hypothermic patients may be rewarmed using passive or active techniques. In case of severe accidental hypothermia (temperature<28°C) and stage III/IV according to the Swiss Staging System, standard methods might not be effective and aggressive treatment is needed. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has proved to be both effective and safe in such cases. ⋯ Our center is so far the only one in Poland and can accept patients from south-east Poland. Most importantly, it collaborates with all prehospital medical services, namely, with 115 Ambulances, Polish Medical Air Rescue, Mountain Rescue Services, and all 28 Emergency Departments in the area. Severe Accidental Hypothermia Center is a solution for advanced treatment of patients with accidental hypothermia requiring ECMO implantation.
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The aim of this study was to establish whether price list information could reduce laboratory and radiological examination costs in emergency departments (EDs). ⋯ We conclude that the distribution of price lists at EDs promotes cost awareness, which can result in significant decreases in examination costs.
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The Hague Protocol considers three parental characteristics of Emergency Department adult patients to identify child abuse: (a) domestic violence, (b) intoxication, and (c) suicide attempt or auto mutilation. This study investigated whether additional parental characteristics could be included to improve the chance of detection. ⋯ None of the characteristics were statistically significantly associated with child abuse. The Hague Protocol will not be improved by adding one or more of the characteristics that were investigated.
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Comparative Study
Air versus ground transport of patients with acute myocardial infarction: experience in a rural-based helicopter medical service.
Primary prehospital Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) interventions may play a role in timely reperfusion therapy for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We designed a prospective study involving patients with acute myocardial infarction aimed at the evaluation of the potential benefit of such primary HEMS interventions as compared with classical Emergency Medical Services ground transport. ⋯ Using HEMS in a rural region allows STEMI patients to benefit from appropriate rescue care with delays similar to those seen in urban settings.