Emergency nurse : the journal of the RCN Accident and Emergency Nursing Association
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Children with acute musculoskeletal pain caused by traumatic injury often present to emergency departments (EDs). However, there is a tendency for practitioners to underestimate the level and intensity of children's pain, and there is variation in pain assessments and management. This article discusses the assessment and management of pain in children who attend EDs following acute traumatic limb injury. It uses a case study to illustrate some of the points raised, and offers evidenced-based guidance on assessment and management of children's pain following acute traumatic limb injury.
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Trauma is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, in civilian environments and on the battlefield. Trauma-induced haemorrhage is the principal cause of potentially preventable death, which is generally attributable to a combination of vascular injury and coagulopathy. Survival rates following severe traumatic injury have increased due to advanced trauma management initiatives and treatment protocols, influenced by lessons learned from recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. ⋯ All are quantified by trauma governance processes, including a robust trauma registry. Some of the lessons learned in combat are equally applicable to civilian environments, and this article describes several of the most important of these. It also gives an overview of advancements in UK military trauma management of severely injured combat casualties, honed over a decade of conflict.
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New figures from NHS England show that attendances at emergency departments (EDs) are greater than ever and performance has worsened in many areas this past year.
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Relentless demand for services is driving up waiting times and exacerbating financial pressures in the NHS according to the latest monitoring report from The King's Fund.