J Emerg Med
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Observation units (OBS) are becoming a common addition to the emergency department. The diagnostic and socioeconomic categories of patients admitted to the OBS unit resemble those seen in the emergency department. There are many advantages and disadvantages in establishing such a unit. Although OBS units provide improved patient care, current difficulties in reimbursement may delay their widespread acceptance.
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The injuries sustained by skateboard riders vary from minor cuts and abrasions to fractures. This report describes a unique injury sustained by a young skateboard rider who was impaled on a metal rod. Literature review of over 1,254 skateboard injuries did not reveal any other instances of penetrating abdominal trauma.
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This report describes an injury due to a pneumatic firearm. Though powder firearm injuries are generally considered serious, pneumatic weapon injuries are often viewed as minor or insignificant trauma. ⋯ However, dramatic increases in muzzle and impact velocities have transformed the newer generation of pneumatic firearms into formidable weapons. Consequently, the literature is replete with increasing incidences of serious injury due to pneumatic weapons.