J Emerg Med
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As prehospital emergency rescuers prepare cervical spine-injured adult patients for immobilization and transport to hospital, it is essential that patients be placed in a favorable position. Previously, it was recommended that patients with cervical spine injuries be immobilized in a slightly flexed position using pads placed beneath the head. However, it is unknown how neck flexion created with pad placement affects the unstable spine. ⋯ Because the goal of emergency rescuers is to conserve whatever physiologic or structural integrity of the spinal cord and spinal column that remains, the outcome of this study suggests that this goal may be best achieved using the "no pad" condition. However, it is recommended that more research be conducted to confirm these preliminary findings.
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High-dose corticosteroid therapy is used to treat several severe autoimmune diseases. Despite a common knowledge in the medical community of the adverse effects of chronic corticosteroid use, there is much less awareness of the affects that can occur after very high doses are administered in a relatively short period of time. ⋯ More patients with autoimmune diseases may be placed on outpatient-based treatment regimens of high-dose corticosteroids in the future. It is important for emergency physicians to be aware of bradycardia as a possible adverse effect, as many of these patients may present to the emergency department for evaluation.
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Although lung ultrasound (US) is accurate in diagnosing pneumothorax (PTX), the training requirements and methods necessary to perform US examinations must be defined. ⋯ Without previous experience and after undergoing training in an animal laboratory, medical students improved their diagnostic proficiency and speed for PTX detection with US. Lung US is a basic technique that can be used by novices to accurately diagnose PTX.
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The use of hand sanitizer is effective in preventing the transmission of disease. Many hand sanitizers are alcohol-based, and significant intoxications have occurred, often in health care facilities, including the emergency department (ED). ⋯ The case highlights the potential for significant toxicity after the ingestion of a product found throughout health care facilities. Balancing the benefit of hand sanitizers for preventing disease transmission and their potential misuse remains a challenge.