J Emerg Med
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This review assesses the role of epinephrine in cardiopulmonary resuscitation from the perspective of mechanisms of action, cardiac and cerebral effects, and use in human beings. We reviewed the literature from 1966 onward, using a Medline Search of the National Library of Medicine with the key words: "heart arrest," "resuscitation," and "epinephrine." Pertinent articles that represented original research were critically appraised by at least two authors. ⋯ Limited human data confirm the dose-dependent vasopressor response to epinephrine and the potential for improved immediate survival with higher doses. We suggest that randomized controlled human trials are needed to document the usefulness of higher doses of epinephrine in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
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Despite mandatory request legislation, the lack of available donor organs and tissues continues to limit transplant efforts. The potential contribution from emergency department (ED) patients remains undefined. We reviewed the charts of patients dying in our ED for organs and tissues potentially suitable for transplantation, age, cause of death, and physician documentation of donation inquiry. ⋯ Four charts (2.6%) mentioned donation in the narrative section, two (1.3%) documented discussion with family, and one patient was referred to our Organ Procurement Organization, with recovery of one kidney and heart valves. We conclude that physicians rarely document consideration of donation for patients dying in the ED; the number of potential donors far exceeds the number referred or recovered. Future efforts should focus on methods to increase recognition and referral of organ and tissue donors from the ED.
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The resuscitation of a patient with severe closed head injury and hypovolemic shock is a commonly encountered clinical scenario. The optimal resuscitation formula remains controversial. Aggressive use of crystalloid solutions may worsen brain injury. ⋯ The optimal approach to the resuscitation of a patient with head trauma and hypovolemic shock is reviewed and discussed. Recent experimental evidence suggests that the early inclusion of an agent such as mannitol in the resuscitation formula may be appropriate despite the evidence of shock. However, the controversy remains unresolved.
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As more people travel to the oceans for sport diving and other marine related activities, the incidence of marine envenomations has risen. This article is designed to give the emergency physician an overview of varying marine envenomations, their clinical presentation, and recommended treatment. Part 1 of this article addresses general wound management and vertebrate envenomations. Part 2 will concentrate on invertebrate envenomations.
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There are few data available regarding the emergency department practice of using recently dead patients (RDP) for practice and training in endotracheal intubation (ETI/RDP). We investigated several aspects of practice by means of a survey sent to all 5,397 emergency departments in the country. Of the 992 (18.3%) responses, 537 (54.1%) did practice ETI/RDP; 455 (45.8%) did not (P less than 0.005). ⋯ There was widespread agreement as to the educational value of the practice, although it was more favored in hospitals practicing ETI/RDP than those that do not: 411 of 418 (98%) hospitals practicing ETI/RDP agreed that it was an important component of medical education, as did 240 (80%) of institutions not practicing it (P less than 0.0001). Nearly equal percentages of teaching hospitals (53.8%) and nonteaching facilities (57.9%) engage in ETI/RDP (P = 0.35). Objections to ETI/RDP had been noted in 25% of the institutions where it was practiced.