J Trauma
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Optimizing patient outcomes has promoted a protocol-driven environment within the trauma bay. No standardized laboratory panel exists during the initial evaluation of injured children. ⋯ The implementation of a standard laboratory panel increased the uniformity of care without compromising quality. We limited the volume and initial cost of blood drawn which is advantageous in small children.
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Miami-Dade County, FL, has one of the highest numbers of pediatric pedestrian injuries in the country. To respond to this problem, WalkSafe an elementary school-based pedestrian injury prevention program was created. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the 3-day WalkSafe educational curriculum in a high-risk district. ⋯ The 3-day WalkSafe educational curriculum implemented in a high-risk district was shown to increase the pedestrian safety knowledge of elementary school age children. From recommendations made by teachers and multiple agencies, the modified 3-day program was approved to implement on a yearly basis in all public elementary schools in Miami-Dade County. Further studies will investigate the transfer of knowledge gain to behavioral change among elementary school-aged children.
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Comparative Study
Fixation of extra-articular distal humerus fractures using one locking plate versus two reconstruction plates: a laboratory study.
To compare the strength and stiffness of standard double-plate fixation with that of a single-locking plate for comminuted extra-articular distal humeral fractures. ⋯ Double-plating provides a more rigid fixation than a single-locked plate for fixation of extra-articular comminuted distal humeral fractures. This could be clinically relevant in situations with 100% comminution as seen in gun shot injuries.
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The Heimlich maneuver is a well-described emergency procedure for management of foreign body airway obstructions. Although rare, complications of the Heimlich maneuver do exist. ⋯ Additionally, we present a rare case of acute pancreatitis with associated pseudocyst formation after the administration of the Heimlich maneuver on a healthy 3-year-old boy. Although life saving, the Heimlich maneuver may be associated with significant complications; thus, symptomatic patients after this maneuver should be thoroughly evaluated with appropriate laboratory and radiographic studies.
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The association of methamphetamine exposure and outcomes after trauma is not known. ⋯ Patients exposed to Methamphetamines do not have increased mortality or complications or lengths of ICU and hospital stay. However, they are more likely to require admission to the ICU.