Can J Emerg Med
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This paper outlines 3 cases of acute isolated peroneal (lateral) compartment syndrome following exertion, minor trauma or overuse. Compartment syndromes are usually associated with crush injuries or fractures; they are an uncommon development following minor trauma or overuse. In acute isolated peroneal compartment syndrome the diagnosis is often delayed, resulting in permanent impairment. ⋯ Marked increase in pain with passive inversion and dorsiflexion of the ankle should suggest the diagnosis. In cases that present late or where the diagnosis is initially missed, there is often a common peroneal nerve palsy. As with all compartment syndromes, prompt diagnosis and surgical decompression is necessary to prevent permanent impairment.
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The laryngeal mask airway (LMAtrade mark airway) provides adequate ventilation and offers a suitable alternative for airway management in patients with cardiac arrest if primary care paramedics do not have intubation skills or are unable to intubate. Training in the use of the LMA usually occurs in the operating room. ⋯ This study reports a 100% training success rate with a mannequin and a 64% success with LMA insertion and ventilation in the field by paramedics among adult out-of-hospital non-traumatic cardiac arrest patients.
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This study evaluated the incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and the use of computed tomography (CT) and lumbar puncture (LP) in a cohort of emergency department (ED) patients with acute headache. ⋯ Diagnostic testing was associated with substantially prolonged lengths of stay. CT and LP had low diagnostic yields, which suggests the need for a clinical decision rule to rule out SAH in ED patients with acute headache.