Can J Emerg Med
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We aimed to determine the rate of adverse events during interfacility transport of cardiac patients identified as low risk by a consensus-derived screening tool and transported by primary care flight paramedics (PCP(f)). ⋯ A screening tool can identify cardiac patients at low risk for clinical deterioration during air-medical transport. We believe patients screened with this tool can be transported safely by a PCP(f) crew, leading to potentially significant resource savings.
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The Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) exam is a rapid ultrasound test to identify evidence of hemorrhage within the abdomen. Few studies examine the accuracy of paramedic performed FAST examinations. The duration of an ultrasound training program remains controversial. This study's purpose was to assess the accuracy of paramedic FAST exam interpretation following a one hour didactic training session. ⋯ This study determined that critical care paramedics were able to use ultrasound to detect free fluid on a simulated mannequin model and interpret the FAST exam with a similar accuracy as experienced emergency physicians following a one hour training course. This suggests the potential use of prehospital ultrasound to aid in the triage and transport decisions of trauma patients while limiting the financial and logistical burden of ultrasound training.
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A 63-year-old female patient presents with abdominal pain, vomiting, and abdominal distention. She has previously had a cholecystectomy and hysterectomy. ⋯ Vital signs include blood pressure 123/61 mm Hg, heart rate 97, oral temperature 37.2°C, respiratory rate 18, oxygen saturation 97% on room air. Her abdomen is diffusely tender and distended.
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Transporting patients with communicable diseases is common in critical care transport operations. At Ornge, Ontario's critical care transport provider, 13.7% of patients required contact, droplet, or airborne precautions during transport in 2019-2020. ⋯ Success in safety requires a robust system of hazard identification and adherence to generally accepted methods of hazard control. This commentary will discuss some of the administrative and engineering controls, as well as the personal protective equipment (PPE) strategies deployed at Ornge.
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Acquired methemoglobinemia (MetHb) is an uncommon presentation of cyanosis in the pediatric emergency department (ED), making its diagnosis and management a clinical challenge. Through this case series we hope to improve clinician ability to recognize the potential for MetHb in pediatric ED patients and to avoid overlooking this important cause of cyanosis. ⋯ Acquired MetHb in the pediatric ED is a rare but important cause of cyanosis. Diagnosis and management of acute, acquired MetHb in the ED requires a high level of suspicion, and a background knowledge of the common precipitants and underlying conditions associated with this condition. We hope this case series will help ED physicians to consider MetHb in pediatric patients presenting with cyanosis and persistent hypoxia. Exposure to known precipitants (e.g., medications and foods), particularly in the setting of active treatment for malignancy or with symptoms of hemolytic anemia should further increase suspicion.