Journal of accident & emergency medicine
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Two patients with neuralgic amyotrophy (Parsonage-Turner syndrome) are described. Problems arising from the shoulder girdle commonly present to accident and emergency (A&E) departments. ⋯ Characterised by severe pain followed by muscle weakness, atrophy, and variable sensory deficits, the diagnosis is based on history and physical findings and is confirmed by electromyography. The prognosis is excellent and treatment is supportive using analgesia and physiotherapy.
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Two cases of traumatic asphyxia in young children are reported. The first was a 2 year old child run over at low speed by the front wheels of a delivery van. He made an uncomplicated recovery. ⋯ He was discovered in cardiac arrest and resuscitation was unsuccessful. The outcome following traumatic asphyxia is a product of duration of compression and the weight involved. Considerable weight can be tolerated for a short period, whereas a comparatively modest weight applied for a longer period may result in death.
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Opportunities exist for graduates from the United Kingdom to undertake some of their emergency medicine training in Australia. Guidelines for graduates are presented on when to travel, how to find a position, what information one should obtain about a position, and how to acquire the necessary visa and medical registration. ⋯ The graduate who undertakes training abroad can expect to benefit professionally and personally. The development of an international exchange network for trainees would streamline the process and broaden the appeal to graduates of completing some of their emergency medicine training in another country.
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To provide information about children with a skull fracture in the Edinburgh area, since head injury is the single most important traumatic cause of death in children over 1 year of age. ⋯ To reduce the incidence of head injuries, and the associated morbidity and mortality, the following are required: identify at risk groups; promote accident prevention; publicise the findings and guidelines concerning childhood head injuries; ensure that all children with head injuries have appropriate investigations and begin treatment as early as possible; establish clinical audit; and set up regional rehabilitation teams.
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To assess the workload generated by police inquiries to an accident and emergency (A&E) department and the adherence of medical staff to departmental guidelines relating to these inquiries. ⋯ Police inquiries generate a significant workload for an A&E department, often at clinically busy times. Medical staff need further education to ensure that patient confidentiality is respected while assisting the police with their investigations.