J Emerg Med
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Faculty development is a training process that strives continually to improve the creativity, productivity, and longevity of individuals committed to the practice of academic medicine. Information pertinent to faculty development is contained in textbooks scattered throughout the medical literature. ⋯ The cost of this library is +333.50. This library was designed to assist emergency physicians in obtaining useful sources of information as part of their continuing education as academic faculty.
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A standardized test for measuring the needle penetration forces has been developed that can be easily replicated in any laboratory. Using this test, conventional cutting edge needles utilized in the test produced lower penetration forces than reverse cutting edge needles. The lower penetration forces encountered by the conventional cutting edge needles imply that the physician should be able to handle these needles with more dexterity and precision than the reverse cutting edge needle.
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Inhalation injury is known to add significant morbidity and mortality to patients with burns. Estimating the severity of inhalation injury is difficult, as signs of respiratory failure may occur hours or even days after the injury. We have reviewed 86 consecutive patients who were admitted to our Burn/Trauma Center with burns and evidence suggestive of smoke inhalation. ⋯ Admission chest x-rays studies, PAO2, and auscultation of the patient's lungs were normal in 90% of the study group. These factors could not be used to predict respiratory failure or death. Patients with as little as 15% total body surface burns with mild smoke inhalation are at significant risk of respiratory failure and the need for ventilatory support.
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Paramedics intubated 358 of 383 (93.5%) patients over a nine-month period. There were 85 survivors. The intubators used the curved-blade laryngoscope in 304 patients (79.5%). ⋯ This retrospective study further documents the ability of paramedics to successfully perform endotracheal intubation. The high success rate supports training with live subjects. Further studies of cause and impact of complications, correlation of success with increased survival, and alternative techniques are essential for effective EMS system medical control.
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Two cases of acute dystonic reactions associated with diazepam ingestion are reported. This report is a brief review of drug-induced extra-pyramidal syndromes, and a mechanism for diazepam-induced dystonic reactions is proposed. Intravenous diphenhydramine was successful in treating both patients.