J Emerg Med
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Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) are integral parts of emergency resuscitative care. Although this training is usually reserved for residents, introducing the training in the medical student curriculum may enhance acquisition and retention of these skills. ⋯ As per previous studies that have examined this topic, students feel unprepared to respond to cardiac arrests and resuscitations. They feel that training is needed in their curriculum and would possibly enhance perceived comfort levels and willingness to participate in resuscitations.
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Tubular gauze dressings are commonly used, but have potential to cause iatrogenic finger ischemia. ⋯ It is important that circumferential digital dressings are applied correctly. Vascular insufficiency from an occlusive dressing is an iatrogenic and avoidable complication. Successful operative decompression may be indicated to minimize tissue loss and improve circulation.
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Emergency department (ED) overcrowding with boarders and waiting times are a significant concern in many countries. ⋯ Boarding patients in the ED has a negative effect on compliance with our 6-h standard of time to disposition.
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In caring for patients in the Emergency Department (ED), the emergency physician (EP) will often utilize consulting specialists and pharmacists. In the event of an untoward patient outcome, disagreement may arise regarding the liability of each provider. ⋯ Consulting physicians may establish a relationship through an overt or implied agreement to participate in a patient's care, or by reviewing specific tests and studies for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. The courts have defined the duty of the pharmacist to safely dispense medication, and have ascribed the duty to warn of medication side effects to the prescribing physician.