Irish medical journal
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Trauma is a major source of mortality and morbidity throughout Ireland. Training in trauma is dependant on experience gained by trainees within specific posts. ⋯ With this in mind we conducted an online survey of trainees in emergency medicine, orthopaedic and general surgery to assess current experience and opinions with regard to trauma. The survey was vetted and distributed by the relevant training bodies. 59(98.33%) respondents believed smaller units should be bypassed for major trauma and 55 (91.67%) believed that larger hospitals receiving major trauma should have a trauma theatre available 24-hours a day. 55 (91.67%) also foresaw themselves covering major trauma as consultants, consequently these trainees will be the consultants developing, moulding and working in this restructured trauma service.
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Recent research on Therapeutic Hypothermia (TH) post cardiac arrest has raised questions about its implementation and benefits. TH to 32-34 degrees C is still included in international guidelines for post-cardiac arrest care. We investigated how Irish ICUs are utilising TH as part of their management of patients post cardiac arrest using a telephone survey of all Irish ICUs. ⋯ Similar methods of inducing and maintaining TH were found in Ireland as with overseas. Interest was expressed in recent research on TH and in 2 ICUs local practice had changed because of it. An updated international resuscitation guideline is awaited.