J Emerg Med
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Blunt trauma causing a retropharyngeal hematoma without an associated cervical fracture is a relatively rare occurrence. This article presents the case of a patient with airway compromise from a retropharyngeal hematoma, and discusses the diagnosis, airway management, and treatment of this condition.
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Medical directors of North American hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) facilities were surveyed to assess selection criteria applied for treatment of acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning within the hyperbaric medicine community. Responses were received from 85% of the 208 facilities in the United States and Canada. Among responders, 89 monoplace and 58 multiplace chamber facilities treat acute CO poisoning, managing a total of 2,636 patients in 1992. ⋯ Half of responding facilities place limits on the delay to treatment for patients with only transient LOC. Time limits are applied less often in cases with persistent neurologic deficits. While variability exists, majority opinions can be derived for many patient selection criteria regarding the use of HBO in acute CO poisoning.