Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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The simplified motor score (SMS) is a three-point measure of traumatic brain injury (TBI) severity, which is easier to calculate than the 15-point Glasgow coma scale (GCS). Using a state trauma registry, the accuracy of the emergency medical services (EMS)-obtained SMS was compared with the GCS for predicting neurological outcomes and mortality. ⋯ In a state trauma registry including both trauma and non-trauma centres, the EMS-obtained SMS performs as well as the 15-point GCS.
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An analysis of the clinical practice of emergency medicine in public emergency departments in Kenya.
To describe the case mix, interventions, procedures and management of patients in public emergency departments (ED) in Kenya. ⋯ ED in Kenya provide care to an undifferentiated patient population yet most of the immediate therapy is provided only to patients with minor conditions who are subsequently discharged. Sicker patients have to await transfer to wards or specialist units to start receiving treatment.
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To identify reasons for not using intraosseous access (IO) when intravenous access is difficult during resuscitation. ⋯ The main reasons for not using IO were lack of equipment and lack of training. The authors recommend increased training in IO use and greater availability of IO equipment for front-line staff in Scandinavian countries. The use of non-purpose-designed needles for IO should be evaluated.