Tidsskrift for den Norske lægeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny række
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The effect of trauma may be graded by the extent of anatomical injury caused or functional derangement created. The anatomical scoring is useful in determining the trauma load in a hospital and for comparisons between hospitals. It correlates well with the need for resources. ⋯ These two may be combined into the TRISS method for assessing probability of survival. Under conditions of war, patients are divided into groups which either have to be operated, which can wait or which have to wait. War wounds are graded according to the extent of soft tissue damage, involvement of deeper structures and whether the wound contains foreign bodies.
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Ensuring free passage of air is the first priority in emergency care of patients. Removing obstruction to softtissue, dislodging obstructing foreign bodies and positioning the patient correctly usually secure open airways and respiration in trauma patients. ⋯ Correct control of airways may reduce morbidity and mortality. The author discusses the practical aspects of control of airways and unobstructed respiration.
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Tidsskr. Nor. Laegeforen. · Feb 1992
[Treatment at the site of the accident and transport of patients with multiple injuries].
In the event of an accident it is the responsibility of the public health service to attempt to save lives, and to reduce pain and permanent disability. This is done by a complex chain of actions by persons ranging from the provider of first aid to the rehabilitation team. ⋯ Paramedics, primary care doctors and specialized emergency care teams are all important collaborators in this field. The specific decisions that are made at the various stages of treating a patient with multiple injuries will always be of fundamental importance for the patient.
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Tidsskr. Nor. Laegeforen. · Feb 1992
Comparative Study[Emergency helicopters--health services in the grey zone? Description of a one-year activity in Troms].
In 1988 a nation-wide aeromedical emergency service (AES) (12 helicopters and five fixed wing aircraft) was introduced in Norway. An important objective was equity--to offer equal access to treatment for the same need irrespective of age and geographical location. In 1989 cardiovascular disease accounted for 34% of the 282 missions in the county of Troms in Northern Norway, but the use of the helicopters did not reflect the age-related increase in the incidence of this disease. ⋯ We believe that the key determinant of the use of helicopters may be varying attitudes among the doctors to the use of AES. The findings indicate that AES does not meet the objective of equity. Stricter medical guidelines for use of AES are called for.