European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Feb 2014
The falling bullets: post-Libyan revolution celebratory stray bullet injuries.
To report our experience with the post-Libyan revolution celebratory stray bullet injuries by falling bullets. ⋯ Celebratory stray bullet injuries are an unusual form of injury not infrequently seen in some parts of the world. Lower limb and chest injuries especially among children are most commonly reported. Focus on prevention through education and weapon use regulations carries the best chance of reducing these injuries.
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Feb 2014
Fast Track by physician assistants shortens waiting and turnaround times of trauma patients in an emergency department.
We sought to determine whether the introduction of a separate patient flow comprising patients with simple, non-complex health issues [Fast Track (FT)] in a Dutch emergency department setting (ED), without the introduction of additional staff, and treated by a physician assistant, would have favourable effects on waiting and turnaround times without deleterious effects for patients with a higher urgency. ⋯ The introduction of FT performed by a physician assistant resulted in a significant drop in waiting time and length of stay in a Dutch ED setting. This reduction was realised without the allocation of additional staff and even reduced waiting and turnaround times for the patients with a high urgency.
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Feb 2014
Blunt bowel and mesenteric injuries detected on CT scan: who is really eligible for surgery?
There is no consensually accepted approach to the management of blunt bowel and mesenteric injuries. Surgery is required urgently in the case of bowel perforation or haemodynamic instability, but several patients can be treated non-operatively. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for surgery in an initial assessment. ⋯ In blunt abdominal trauma, the association of a bowel and/or mesenteric injury with a peritoneal effusion without solid organ injury on an initial CT scan should raise the suspicion of an injury requiring surgical treatment. Additionally, this finding should lead to a clinical discussion of the benefit of explorative laparotomy to prevent delayed surgery. However, these findings need validation by larger studies.
-
Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Feb 2014
Refining the trauma triage algorithm at an Australian major trauma centre: derivation and internal validation of a triage risk score.
To derive and internally validate a clinical prediction rule for trauma triage. ⋯ We have derived and internally validated a trauma risk prediction rule using trauma registry data. This may assist with the formulation of revised local and regional trauma triage protocols. External validation is required before implementation.