Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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Emergency workers, including ambulance personnel, must cope with a variety of duty related stressors including traumatic incident exposures. Little is known about the variables that might be associated with post-traumatic stress symptom in high risk occupational groups such as ambulance personnel. This study investigated the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among Swedish ambulance personnel. ⋯ The high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in ambulance personnel indicates an inability to cope with stress in daily work. The strong relation between post-traumatic stress and Sense of Coherence Scale may be useful in predicting vulnerability for post-traumatic symptoms among recently employed ambulance service personnel. To prevent or reduce the upcoming of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms it must be possible to take leave of absence, or for a longer or shorter time be transferred to non-emergency duties. This study presents a better understanding between post-traumatic stress and underlying factors among ambulance personnel.
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The purpose of this study was to determine the key factors influencing survival from cardiopulmonary resuscitation attempts and to produce a survival predictor scale for use during a resuscitation attempt. ⋯ Data collection and analysis of cardiopulmonary resuscitation attempts are essential for the formulation of survival indicators. In this case the data have enabled the formulation of a survival predictor scale that will quantify the decision making process regarding the termination of cardiopulmonary resuscitation attempts.
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This study aimed to determine whether the people in Australia are informed about and prepared to intervene in a cardiac emergency. ⋯ This study suggests that a low percentage of the public is currently trained in CPR and also that they are unprepared to act in a cardiac emergency.
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To determine the impact of a newly opened prison on an accident and emergency (A&E) department. ⋯ The opening of the prison resulted in only a slight increase in the workload of the A&E department. A significant proportion of prisoners were admitted to the hospital highlighting the practical and logistical problems of managing people restrained and in custody. Most cases can be safely referred back to the prison. Increased input is required from the prison medical team when dealing with deliberate self harm, frequent attenders, and "out of hours" referrals. All A&E staff must be aware of the increased risk of hepatitis C infection when dealing with a confined prison population.
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Foreign body aspiration in children is common and usually presents with an initial episode of choking with subsequent respiratory symptoms. There may be cough, wheeze, or stridor, with decreased or abnormal breath sounds on examination. However, it can mimic other illnesses and cause difficulty in diagnosis. ⋯ Three cases are presented of foreign body aspiration with a delay in diagnosis ranging from days to weeks. It is believed that delay could have been avoided with a more careful approach to the history and more appropriate use of investigations. These cases demonstrate that children with a history of choking and subsequent symptoms should be referred for bronchoscopy.