J Emerg Med
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Medical emergencies may arise on board commercial airlines. Although infrequent, such events annually affect a substantial number of air travelers. ⋯ This article examines the incidence of in-flight emergencies, surveys the onboard medical kit, and explores various in-flight medical problems and treatments. It concludes with a discussion of various methods of prevention.
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Review Case Reports
Hematoma of the rectus abdominis muscle: case report and review of the literature.
Hematoma of the rectus abdominis muscle, although a well-described clinical entity, is commonly misdiagnosed. A case of abdominal pain associated with the subjective perception of a "lump," which proved to be a rectus abdominis hematoma, is presented. The pathoanatomy, presenting symptoms, investigation, and treatment options for the condition are reviewed.
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Blind nasotracheal intubation (BNTI) is an effective procedure for the intubation of trauma patients. The presence of major facial trauma has been considered a relative contraindication due to the perceived risk of intracranial placement. The purpose of the present study was to assess the risk of intracranial placement in patients with facial fractures who undergo BNTI. ⋯ There were no cases of intracranial placement, significant epistaxis requiring nasal packing, esophageal intubation, or osteomyelitis. Three patients (4%) developed sinusitis and eight (10%) developed aspiration pneumonia. We conclude that the presence of facial trauma does not appear to be a contraindication to BNTI.
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Review Historical Article
Surgical glove lubricants: from toxicity to opportunity.
In most emergency departments, surgical gloves are coated with surface powders that act as lubricants to facilitate donning. Cornstarch powder is an absorbable powder employed as a donning agent on most powdered gloves. ⋯ These powders are foreign bodies that elicit inflammatory responses, leading to a wide number of symptoms and complications. The best method of preventing clinical complications from glove powder is to use powder-free gloves.