J Emerg Med
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Historical Article
The beginnings of urban ambulance service in the United States and England.
Urban ambulance systems emerged in the second half of the 19th century as an outgrowth of military experiences in both Europe and America. Developing first in cities such as Cleveland and New York, these systems quickly adapted to the urban environment, and modifications in ambulance construction and procedures soon followed. Since first-aid texts for urban ambulances were rare, military texts on battlefield medicine were adapted to emergency medicine in civilian accidents.
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A case of retropharyngeal emphysema associated with drug abuse is presented. Although chest symptoms of pneumomediastinum have been widely reported with substance abuse, pain localized to the neck is rarely described. In the present case, localized dysphagia was the only complaint, and no free air could be demonstrated within the thorax. For uncomplicated cervical emphysema or pneumomediastinum due to substance abuse, extensive workup may be unnecessary, and conservative therapy, including administration of 100% oxygen and observation is recommended if resolution is prompt.